The Abhishek Sharma century against New Zealand powered India to a dominant six-wicket victory in the third T20I in Wellington on October 27, 2026. Sharma smashed 113 runs off just 38 balls as India chased down New Zealand’s target of 199 in only 13.2 overs. The victory gave India an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match T20I series, with two matches remaining.
The left-handed opener reached his century in just 35 deliveries, hitting nine fours and 11 sixes. Teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also impressed with a rapid 45 off 19 balls, helping India produce a record-breaking powerplay and overwhelm the New Zealand bowling attack.
Abhishek Sharma’s century powers India’s chase
The Abhishek Sharma century was the highlight of India’s remarkable run chase. The opener attacked New Zealand’s bowlers from the beginning, reaching his hundred in just 35 balls and maintaining a strike rate above 297 throughout his innings.
His 113-run knock included 11 sixes and nine fours, putting India firmly in control of the match. Sharma combined aggressive stroke play with excellent timing to dismantle the New Zealand bowling attack.
Kyle Jamieson eventually dismissed Sharma for 113, but India needed only a handful of runs to complete the victory. His explosive innings earned him the Player of the Match award and strengthened his reputation as one of India’s most dangerous T20 batters.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi helps India set a record
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided spectacular support at the other end, scoring 45 runs off just 19 deliveries. His innings included four fours and four sixes.
The opening pair added 133 runs in just 7.1 overs, putting New Zealand under enormous pressure. India finished the six-over powerplay at 118 without losing a wicket, setting a new record for the highest powerplay total in men’s T20 internationals.
Sooryavanshi was eventually dismissed by Matthew Fisher, but India’s scoring rate had already put the result beyond New Zealand’s control.
New Zealand post 198 against India
Earlier, New Zealand scored 198/3 in their allotted 20 overs after India elected to field.
Daryl Mitchell top-scored with an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls, while Finn Allen contributed 40 from 25 deliveries. Bevon Jacobs added an unbeaten 39 off 23 balls to help New Zealand establish a competitive total.
India’s bowlers managed to take three wickets, with Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy each claiming one. However, India’s outstanding opening partnership made the target look far less challenging than expected.
India clinch the T20I series 3–0
India completed the chase at 199/4 in 13.2 overs, winning by six wickets with 40 balls remaining. The result secured an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match series.
The fourth T20I is scheduled for October 30 in Auckland, followed by the series finale on November 1 in Hamilton.
The Abhishek Sharma century and Sooryavanshi’s explosive contribution will be major talking points ahead of the remaining matches. India’s dominant batting display also puts pressure on New Zealand to find answers before the next encounter.
Source: Reuters and the official BCCI match centre.
