IND vs NZ: India delivered a breathtaking batting exhibition in Guwahati as Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav dismantled New Zealand's bowling attack to complete a stunning chase of 154 runs in just 10 overs in the third T20I on Sunday.
After New Zealand posted a competitive total, the Indian openers set the tone early before Abhishek and Suryakumar took complete control of the contest. The duo showcased fearless strokeplay, blending power with precision to keep the scoreboard racing at an extraordinary pace.
Abhishek remained unbeaten on 68 off just 20 deliveries, striking the ball cleanly to all parts of the ground. Suryakumar complemented him perfectly with an equally aggressive knock, finishing on 57 not out from 26 balls. Together, they
added 102 runs in only 40 balls for the third wicket, effectively sealing the game long before the final overs.
India's emphatic victory placed them in an exclusive club in T20I history. They became only the second team to successfully chase a target of more than 150 runs in under 10 overs. Australia were the first to achieve the feat when they chased down Scotland's 154-run target in Edinburgh in 2024, powered by explosive knocks from Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh.
Beyond the team milestone, Abhishek's innings also etched his name into Indian T20I history. The left-hander reached his half-century in just 14 balls, making it the second-fastest fifty by an Indian in the format. Only Yuvraj Singh's iconic 12-ball fifty against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup remains ahead of him. On the global stage, Nepal's Dipendra Singh Airee still holds the world record with a nine-ball fifty.
The dominant performance in Guwahati also gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, underlining their growing dominance in the shortest format. With momentum firmly on their side, India once again showcased why their batting firepower is among the most feared in world cricket.
