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Abhishek Sharma's Explosive Century Secures Series Sweep for India Against New Zealand in 3rd T20I

Abhishek Sharma delivered a stunning 113 off just 38 balls, leading India to a convincing victory over New Zealand at Sky Stadium in Wellington. This win sealed a 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.

New Zealand Sets a Challenging Target

After losing Tim Seifert early for 2 runs, New Zealand rallied to post a strong total of 198/3. Daryl Mitchell stood out with an unbeaten 89 from 52 balls, including five fours and five sixes. He built crucial partnerships, first an 86-run stand with Finn Allen (40 off 25) and later a blistering 75-run unbroken partnership with Bevon Jacobs (39* off 23), scoring 42 runs in the last four overs.

For India, Arshdeep Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Axar Patel each took one wicket.

India's Chase Turns One-Sided

The chase became a spectacle as Abhishek Sharma combined with 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who scored 45 off 19 balls. Together, they smashed 118 runs in the first six overs, dismantling New Zealand’s bowling attack. Their opening partnership reached 133 runs in just 7.1 overs, setting a record.

Sharma struck 9 fours and 11 sixes at a strike rate of 297.36, reaching a brilliant century that effectively ended the contest. Although Matthew Fisher and Kyle Jamieson eventually dismissed both openers, India had already amassed 178/2 after 10 overs. The team cruised to a six-wicket win with 40 balls remaining.

Key Match Moments

  • After 6 overs: India 118/0, thanks to Sharma’s 67 off 20 balls and Sooryavanshi’s 44 off 17.
  • After 10 overs: India 178/2, even after losing Sooryavanshi and Sharma.
  • New Zealand innings highlight: 42 runs scored in the last four overs without losing a wicket.

Playing XIs

  • New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Bevon Jacobs, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matthew Fisher, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Jacob Duffy
  • India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh

Win Probability and Betting Odds

  • Win Probability: New Zealand 0%, India 100%
  • Betting Odds: India favored at 1.74; New Zealand at 2.06 (subject to change)

Toss Result

India chose to bowl first.

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