Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav power India to series win over New Zealand in Guwahati
India sealed a series victory against New Zealand in Guwahati as Abhishek Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav chased down 154 in just 10 overs after India’s bowlers restricted the visitors to 153/9. The chase turned the contest into a sprint, with Sharma’s unbeaten 68 off 20 and Yadav’s unbeaten 57 off 26 deciding the match.
- Reporting desk
- Health India Network News Desk
- First published
Bowlers set the platform in Guwahati
India wrapped up a series win over New Zealand with a dominant performance in Guwahati, combining disciplined bowling with an explosive run chase. After two earlier high-scoring games, the hosts changed the script by putting the brakes on New Zealand first.
India’s bowlers and fielders executed a clear plan to limit scoring and take wickets at key moments, restricting the visitors to 153 for 9. The total looked chaseable, but few would have predicted just how quickly India would finish the job.
A chase that became a 10-over blitz
Chasing 154, India raced to the target in only 10 overs, losing two wickets. Abhishek Sharma led the charge with an unbeaten 68 off 20 balls, while captain Suryakumar Yadav stayed not out on 57 off 26, ensuring there was no late wobble.
The match began with early drama as Sanju Samson departed for a golden duck on the first ball of the chase. But the setback barely slowed India, as the middle order quickly restored momentum and then accelerated it beyond New Zealand’s reach.
Form signals for India, questions for New Zealand
For India, the win underlined the depth of batting firepower available when the top order clicks, particularly with Sharma in a destructive rhythm and Yadav anchoring at high speed. The chase also reinforced how quickly India can convert modest targets into decisive wins.
For New Zealand, conceding the target inside 10 overs will raise concerns about bowling control in the powerplay and the inability to slow the scoring rate after early boundaries, especially on surfaces where even 150-plus totals can be vulnerable.