Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav power India past New Zealand to seal series in Guwahati
India beat New Zealand in Guwahati after restricting the visitors to 153/9, with Abhishek Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav smashing quick unbeaten fifties in the chase. The win gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
- Reporting desk
- Health India Network News Desk
- First published
India clinched a T20I series victory over New Zealand in Guwahati, producing a dominant chase after a disciplined bowling effort kept the visitors to 153 for 9. The match, played at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, continuing the hosts’ strong form after earlier wins in Nagpur and Raipur.
The chase was driven by a fierce opening assault from Abhishek Sharma and a sustained finishing burst from captain Suryakumar Yadav. Sharma remained unbeaten on 68 off 20 balls, while Suryakumar stayed not out on 57 off 26, turning the target into a rapid pursuit completed in 10 overs with just two wickets down.
Bowling sets the tone, batting ends it fast
Before the batting fireworks, India’s plan with the ball ensured New Zealand never truly escaped pressure. The visitors lost wickets at intervals, with only one meaningful partnership offering resistance. Jasprit Bumrah returned to the XI and delivered key breakthroughs, while Ravi Bishnoi made an immediate impact after being brought in, underlining India’s depth and flexibility.
India’s chase began with an early setback, but the response was emphatic. Sharma’s timing and power cleared the infield repeatedly, and the run rate stayed extreme even after a wicket fell. Once Suryakumar settled, his range and placement kept New Zealand’s bowlers from regaining any control.
What the result signals
A series sealed with two overs of cricket compressed into ten speaks to India’s current style: aggressive intent backed by wicket-taking options. For New Zealand, the match highlighted how a slightly below-par total can become irrelevant when the opposition lineup is capable of reducing a full T20 chase to a sprint.
With the series effectively decided, the remaining games still matter for combinations, roles and momentum. But the Guwahati result has already delivered the headline—India’s bowlers created the opening, and the batters finished with speed and authority.