India's dynamic performance in the third T20 international against New Zealand in Guwahati showcased the explosive batting prowess of Abhishek Sharma, who blazed a trail with a stunning 14-ball fifty, the second-fastest by an Indian in T20 internationals after Yuvraj Singh. Sharma's fireworks with the bat spearheaded India to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory that sealed the series with a 3-0 lead. The hosts chased down New Zealand's target of 154 in just 10 overs, with Sharma remaining unbeaten on a remarkable 68 runs off only 20 deliveries, ably supported by Suryakumar Yadav's quickfire 57* off 26 balls.
The encounter saw New Zealand post a modest total of 153-9 after being put into bat, with Glenn Phillips top-scoring with 48 runs off 40 deliveries. India's bowlers, spearheaded by the talented Jasprit Bumrah who claimed three wickets for 17 runs, kept the Kiwi batsmen in check. Hardik Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi also chipped in with two wickets each as they restricted the visitors' scoring opportunities.
India's run chase started on a shaky note with Sanju Samson falling for a duck on the first ball of the innings. However, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan turned the tide with a blistering 53-run partnership off just 19 balls before Kishan departed for a brisk 28 off 13 deliveries. Sharma then took charge of the innings, reaching his fifty in style with a six off the final ball of the powerplay and ultimately finishing with seven fours and five sixes in his scintillating knock.
The highlight of Abhishek's innings was his ability to dispatch the ball to all parts of the ground, showcasing his clean striking and aggressive intent. Captain Suryakumar Yadav also played a crucial role, smashing six fours and three sixes in his unbeaten knock, ensuring India's victory with a flurry of boundaries.
This win not only sealed the T20 series for India but also served as a strong response to their defeat in the ODI series against New Zealand, highlighting the team's resilience and adaptability across formats. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, India's dominant form and depth in their squad signal their readiness to defend their title when the competition kicks off on 7 February.
Looking ahead, the fourth T20 between India and New Zealand is set to take place in Visakhapatnam, promising more intense cricketing action as both teams strive to make their mark. As the cricketing world gears up for exciting contests, fans are eagerly awaiting more thrilling performances and standout players making their presence felt on the global stage.
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