GUWAHATI — Abhishek Sharma produced a masterclass in power-hitting on Sunday, January 25, as India clinicaly dismantled New Zealand by eight wickets in the third T20I. The victory at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium ensures India pockets the five-match series 3-0, a significant morale booster with the T20 World Cup less than two weeks away. While Abhishek’s fireworks stole the show, crucial contributions from captain Suryakumar Yadav and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah were instrumental in the hosts’ dominant display.
Abhishek Sharma Reigns Supreme in Clinical Chase
Tasked with a target of 154, India’s innings began on a disastrous note when Sanju Samson was dismissed for a golden duck on the very first ball. However, the early setback was quickly forgotten as Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma launched a ferocious counter-attack. Kishan played a brisk cameo of 28 off just 13 deliveries, partnering with Abhishek for a rapid 53-run stand for the second wicket.
Abhishek remained unstoppable, eventually finishing with an unbeaten 68 off 20 balls. During his stay, he reached his half-century in just 14 balls, recording the second-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian. He fell just short of eclipsing Yuvraj Singh’s long-standing national record of 12 balls, set against England in 2007.
Fastest T20I Fifties Against Full Member Nations
| Player | Balls | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yuvraj Singh | 12 | England | Durban | 2007 |
| Jan Frylinck | 13 | Zimbabwe | Bulawayo | 2025 |
| Colin Munro | 14 | Sri Lanka | Auckland | 2016 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 14 | New Zealand | Guwahati | 2026 |
| Quinton de Kock | 15 | West Indies | Centurion | 2023 |
India reached the finish line with 10 overs to spare, aided by captain Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 57 off 26 balls. With two matches remaining in the series, the hosts have already secured an unassailable 3-0 lead.
New Zealand’s Innings Stutters Against Disciplined Attack
Earlier in the evening, the New Zealand innings struggled to find momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling unit. The tone was set in the opening over when Devon Conway was dismissed for just 1, marking the fifth time Indian bowler Harshit Rana has claimed his wicket. Rachin Ravindra followed shortly after, falling for 4 to the bowling of Hardik Pandya.
The highlight of the first innings, however, was a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah on the first ball of the sixth over. Bumrah produced a peach of a delivery to dismiss Tim Seifert for 12, leaving the visitors reeling at three wickets down early in the powerplay. Despite the early damage, New Zealand managed to post 153, a total that proved vastly insufficient against Abhishek Sharma’s onslaught.
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