Abhishek Sharma scores century as India clinches T20I series against New Zealand

India secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in their five-match T20I series against New Zealand following a dominant six-wicket victory in the third match at Wellington. Chasing a target of 199, India reached the total in just 13.2 overs.

Abhishek Sharma led the charge with an explosive 113 runs off 38 deliveries, including 11 sixes and nine fours. He reached his century in 35 balls. Opening partner Vaibhav Suryavanshi contributed a rapid 45 runs from 19 balls. The duo shared a 133-run opening stand, setting a new record for the highest powerplay score in men’s T20 International history with 118 runs in the first six overs.

Earlier, New Zealand posted 198/3 in their 20 overs, anchored by Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 89 off 52 balls and Finn Allen’s 40. For India, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, and Nitish Kumar Reddy each claimed one wicket. The fourth T20I is scheduled to take place in Auckland on October 30.