Ind vs Nz T20I series: India defeated New Zealand in 10 overs, winning by 8 wickets
India defeated New Zealand by eight wickets with 10 overs remaining in the third T20 match against New Zealand. With this victory, the Indian team has taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20 series. In the match played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, New Zealand, after losing the toss and batting first, scored 153 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs, thanks to Glenn Phillips’ innings of 48 runs. In reply, the Indian team chased down the target of 154 runs in just 10 overs, thanks to unbeaten half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav.
Samson disappoints for the third consecutive match
The Indian team’s chase of 154 runs started with a setback. Opening batsman Sanju Samson had a disappointing performance for the third consecutive match. He was dismissed on the very first ball by Matt Henry and failed to open his account. Samson has only scored 16 runs in this series so far. His poor form before the T20 World Cup could be a cause for concern for the Indian team.
Ishan Kishan shines
After Samson’s dismissal, Ishan Kishan, who came in at number three, made his intentions clear by hitting a six on the third ball of the over. He shared a 53-run partnership for the second wicket with Abhishek Sharma. During this time, Kishan scored 28 runs at a strike rate of 215.38. His innings included three fours and two sixes.
India records its second-highest powerplay score
Interestingly, India completed 50 runs in just 3.1 overs, breaking their own record. Earlier, the team had scored 50 runs in 3.4 overs against Bangladesh in 2023. After Kishan’s dismissal, captain Suryakumar Yadav left no stone unturned in dismantling the New Zealand bowling attack. He, along with Abhishek, thrashed the Kiwi bowlers. During this time, India recorded its second-highest powerplay score. In the first six overs, India scored 94 for two wickets in this match. Previously, Team India had scored 95/1 in the powerplay against England at Wankhede.
Abhishek scores second fastest half-century in T20I for India
In this match against New Zealand, Abhishek Sharma’s bat roared once again, and he completed his half-century in just 14 balls. He became the second fastest Indian to score a half-century in this format, after his mentor Yuvraj Singh (12 balls). He also became the joint third fastest batsman to score a half-century against a full member team, equaling Colin Munro, who scored a half-century in just 14 balls against Sri Lanka in 2016.
Suryakumar shines in his second consecutive match
Apart from Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav also showcased his brilliance. He completed his 23rd half-century of his T20 International career in 25 balls and ensured India’s victory. In the previous match, Suryakumar had led from the front with a captain’s knock to secure a win for India. His return to form before the upcoming World Cup is bad news for other teams. Abhishek and Suryakumar shared an unbeaten 102-run partnership for the third wicket in 40 balls. The duo led India to a spectacular victory within just 10 overs.
