India sealed the five-match T20 series against New Zealand with an emphatic eight-wicket win in the third match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The victory gave India a 3-0 lead, confirming the series with two matches remaining. A sharp bowling performance set the tone before a blistering batting display ended the chase inside 10 overs.
Explosive Start After Early Setback
India suffered an early blow when Sanju Samson fell for a duck on the first ball. Ishan Kishan responded aggressively and changed the momentum immediately. He scored 28 runs from just 13 balls. Alongside Abhishek Sharma, he added 53 runs in only 19 deliveries. This rapid partnership pushed New Zealand onto the defensive early in the chase.
Abhishek and Suryakumar Dominate the Chase
After Kishan’s dismissal, captain Suryakumar Yadav joined Abhishek Sharma at the crease. The pair launched a fierce counterattack against the bowlers. Suryakumar smashed 57 runs from 26 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes. Abhishek remained unbeaten on 68 from just 20 balls, including seven boundaries and five sixes. They added an unbroken 102-run stand to finish the match comfortably.
India Bowlers Restrict New Zealand
Earlier, India chose to bowl after winning the toss and struck early. New Zealand slipped to 34 for three as Indian bowlers maintained tight lines. Glenn Phillips scored 48 off 40 balls, while Mark Chapman added 32 from 23 deliveries. Their fourth-wicket stand offered brief resistance before Ravi Bishnoi broke the partnership.
Bumrah Shines With the Ball
New Zealand struggled again after losing key wickets in quick succession. Captain Mitchell Santner scored 27 runs off 17 balls to lift the total. However, the visitors finished at 153 for nine in 20 overs. Jasprit Bumrah led the attack with three wickets for 17 runs. Ravi Bishnoi and Hardik Pandya picked up two wickets each.
Series Secured With Authority
India dominated both departments and wrapped up the series in commanding fashion. The remaining two matches now give the team a chance to test bench strength. Confidence remains high as India continues to build momentum in the T20 format.
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