India secured a commanding series victory over New Zealand on Tuesday, clinching the five-match T20I series with two games to spare. A breathtaking display of power-hitting from opener
The visitors made a mockery of the 199-run chase, reaching the target in just 13.2 overs. Sharma was the architect of the victory, bludgeoning 113 runs from only 38 deliveries. His innings featured 11 sixes and nine fours, setting the tone for a clinical performance. Alongside 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sharma dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack from the first ball, racing to 64 without loss after three overs. By the end of the Powerplay, India had reached a staggering 118/0, with Sharma bringing up his half-century in just 15 balls.
A record-breaking chase in Wellington
The opening partnership between Sharma and Sooryavanshi proved decisive, scoring at a run rate of 18.13—the highest for a century stand by openers in men's T20Is between full-member nations. Although Matthew Fisher eventually dismissed Sooryavanshi for a rapid 45 off 19 balls, the momentum remained firmly with India. Sharma continued his assault, reaching his century in 35 balls against Kyle Jamieson in the 10th over before eventually departing for 113.
Despite the late dismissals of Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer, India comfortably crossed the finish line. New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with none managing an economy rate below 12 runs per over. Jamieson finished with two wickets, while Fisher and Mitchell Santner claimed one each.
New Zealand’s competitive total
Earlier in the day, New Zealand posted a competitive 198/3 after being put into bat. Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings with an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls, finding strong support from Bevon Jacobs, who contributed a brisk 39 off 23 deliveries. The pair combined for an unbroken 75-run stand for the fourth wicket to bolster the hosts' total.
India’s bowling attack, led by Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, managed to pick up one wicket apiece. Arshdeep struck early to remove Tim Seifert, while Nitish accounted for Finn Allen, who contributed 40 off 25 balls. Axar Patel dismissed Glenn Phillips, who was making his 100th T20I appearance. While the hosts managed to reach a challenging score, India’s record-breaking chase ensured the series result was never in doubt, marking one of the fastest successful pursuits of a 190-plus target in T20 international history.
