In a one-sided and record-breaking match, India crushed New Zealand by 8 wickets in the third T20I in Guwahati. Chasing 154 to win, India finished the game in just 10 overs. This is the fastest time any top cricket team has ever chased a score of 150 or more.
Opener Abhishek Sharma was the star, smashing 68 runs from only 20 balls. Captain Suryakumar Yadav was also brilliant, scoring 57 not out from 26 balls. Their powerful hitting meant New Zealand’s bowlers had no answers. The victory wasn’t merely comprehensive; it was historic. The margin of victory is now the largest ever against New Zealand in T20Is.
India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I Full Match Highlights
The brief loss of Sanju Samson for a golden duck was a false note in an otherwise symphonic onslaught. Abhishek Sharma, in a breathtaking exhibition of clean hitting, decided the powerplay would be his canvas. He peppered the stands, racing to a 28-ball half-century partnership with Ishan Kishan (28 off 13) in just 2.3 overs. The required rate wasn’t just met; it was obliterated.
At the other end, Suryakumar Yadav, back in sublime touch, played the perfect foil. Their 102-run partnership was a blend of carnage and class. By the time Abhishek fell, the game was over. SKY ensured there was no slowdown, galloping to his own 25-ball fifty, a record-equalling ninth such lightning-fast half-century for India.
Bumrah’s Brilliance & Bishnoi’s Return
The chase was a spectacle, but the match was won with the ball. Put into bat, New Zealand never found momentum against a relentless Indian attack. The tone was set in the first over by a piece of pure magic—Hardik Pandya’s full-stretch, diving catch to remove Devon Conway.
Returning spearhead Jasprit Bumrah (4-0-17-3) was simply unplayable, mixing searing yorkers with deceptive slower balls to claim crucial scalps. The recalled Ravi Bishnoi (4-0-18-2) provided the perfect wrist-spin complement, stifling the middle overs with immense control. Hardik Pandya (2/23) chipped in as New Zealand limped to 153/9, a total that looked inadequate the moment Abhishek Sharma took guard.
Player of the Match & The Bigger Picture
Despite the batting, the ‘Player of the Match’ award rightly went to Jasprit Bumrah. His spell was a reminder that in the frenzy of T20s, supreme skill and economy are priceless. “It’s about execution,” a modest Bumrah said post-match, but his execution was a masterclass.
For New Zealand, missing key players, this has been a sobering reality check. For India, this is more than a series win. This is the crystallization of a philosophy—fearless, aggressive, and devastatingly deep. With the 2026 T20 World Cup slated for similar subcontinental conditions, India haven’t just found a winning formula; they have built a juggernaut. Anything less than the trophy now will be a profound disappointment. The benchmark has been set, and it’s astronomically high.
Match Scorecard at a Glance
| Team | Score | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 153/9 | 20 | India won by 8 wickets |
| India | 155/2 | 10 | (Target chased with 60 balls left) |
India Batting Stars:
- Abhishek Sharma: 68 (20 balls, 7×4, 5×6)
- Suryakumar Yadav (c): 57* (26 balls, 6×4, 3×6)
- Ishan Kishan: 28 (13 balls)
India Bowling Stars:
- Jasprit Bumrah: 4-0-17-3 (Player of the Match)
- Ravi Bishnoi: 4-0-18-2
- Hardik Pandya: 3-0-23-2
Key Moments That Defined the Match
Over 0.5: Hardik Pandya’s gravity-defying catch to dismiss Conway.
Overs 2-4: Abhishek Sharma’s initial blast, taking 20+ off consecutive overs.
Over 3.3: Abhishek reaches 50 off 14 balls, the innings’ point of no return.
Overs 7-15 (NZ innings): The Bumrah-Bishnoi choke, conceding only 35 runs in 8 overs combined and taking 5 wickets.
Over 9.5: Suryakumar Yadav hits the winning runs, sealing a record-shattering victory.
