India completely outclassed hosts New Zealand in the third T20I at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on October 27, securing a convincing six-wicket victory.
Batting first, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 198/3, with Daryl Mitchell leading the charge with an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls, including five fours and five sixes. For India, three bowlers claimed one wicket each.
In response, the Men in Blue chased down the target in just 13.2 overs, powered by a sensational century from Abhishek Sharma. With this emphatic win, India took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
Top batting performance of the match: Abhishek Sharma
That wristwork deserves a standing ovation! 🤌
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) October 27, 2026
Watch the HERO VIDA India Tour of New Zealand, 3rd T20I, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels, Sony LIV & Sony Vizha.#SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #SonyVizha #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/e5uAwDau8n
Abhishek Sharma was the standout batting performer of the match, smashing a sensational 113 off just 38 balls, including nine fours and 11 sixes. He dominated the New Zealand bowlers and formed a remarkable 133-run opening partnership with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in just 43 balls, setting the perfect platform for India's successful chase.
Top bowling performance of the match: Mitchell Santner
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner was the standout bowling performer for his side. He returned with impressive figures of 1/17 in three overs, maintaining control and providing a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Indian captain Shreyas Iyer. Despite his economical spell, Santner could not prevent India from securing a comprehensive victory in the third T20I.
Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved
1. Most Balls Remaining in a Successful Chase of 190 or More in T20Is: 40 balls – India vs New Zealand, Wellington, 2026 (Target: 199) (Second-best)
2. Most Sixes in a T20I Innings for India: 11 – Abhishek Sharma vs New Zealand, Wellington, 2026 (Joint-second)
3. Most Innings with 10 or More Sixes in Men’s T20Is: 3 – Abhishek Sharma (India) (Second)
4. Most Innings with 10 or More Sixes in Men’s T20 Cricket: 7 – Abhishek Sharma (Second)
5. Most Centuries in Men’s T20 Cricket: 11 – Abhishek Sharma (Fourth)
6. Most Centuries in Men’s T20Is: 4 – Abhishek Sharma (Joint-second)
Who won the Player of the Match?
ABHISHEK SHARMA, YOU ABSOLUTE MENACE! 🤯
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) October 27, 2026
A 35-ball hundred. Let that sink in! 💯
Watch the HERO VIDA India Tour of New Zealand, 3rd T20I, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels, Sony LIV & Sony Vizha.#SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #SonyVizha #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/OvOMf1rIsy
Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match for his sensational century, which powered India to a dominant victory over New Zealand. His explosive knock not only guided India to a successful chase but also saw him break multiple records, making his performance one to remember.
When's the next match?
The fourth T20I between New Zealand and India will happen on Friday, October 30 at Eden Park, Auckland.
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