GUWAHATI: The atmosphere was electric in Guwahati as the full-house crowd anticipated another high-scoring game, similar to the ones witnessed in Nagpur and Raipur. However, the Indian team had a different strategy on their mind, with Abhishek Sharma leading the charge at the batting crease and the bowlers implementing a well-thought-out plan.

India’s bowlers delivered a stellar performance, restricting New Zealand to a modest total of 153 for nine. This set the stage for a thrilling chase, which was executed flawlessly by Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav. Sharma remained unbeaten on 68 off just 20 balls, while Yadav scored 57 not out from 26 deliveries. Their partnership ensured that the T20 International turned into more of a T10 match, as India chased down the target in just 10 overs, losing only two wickets.

This victory not only secured a comfortable win but also sealed the five-match series for India, giving them an unassailable 3-0 lead at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Sharma etched his name in the record books by scoring the second-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian, following in the footsteps of his mentor Yuvraj Singh, who achieved the feat in 12 balls. His golden duck in the second match in Raipur seemed like a minor setback, but he quickly bounced back with a 35-ball 84 in the first game in Nagpur and then an unbeaten 68, including seven fours and five sixes.

The chase started with Sanju Samson facing immediate pressure after being dismissed on the very first ball. Ishan Kishan joined Sharma, and the duo quickly found their rhythm, scoring 53 runs in just 3.1 overs. Kishan’s dismissal didn’t slow down India’s momentum; instead, it gave the skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, the opportunity to take control. He continued his impressive form, scoring another unbeaten half-century with six fours and three sixes, making life difficult for the Kiwi bowlers.

Earlier in the day, India’s bowling strategy was spot-on, supported by sharp fielding that kept New Zealand under constant pressure. The visitors struggled to find consistency, losing wickets regularly, except for a 52-run fourth-wicket partnership between Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman.

Jasprit Bumrah made a triumphant return after a one-match break, taking three wickets for 17 runs. Ravi Bishnoi, a surprise inclusion in place of Varun Chakravarthy, made an immediate impact with two wickets for 18 runs in four overs. Bishnoi’s return to the international scene came after nearly a year since his last match against England in February 2025. Despite not being in top form in domestic cricket this season, he bowled with pace and accuracy, striking at crucial moments.

Hardik Pandya was also instrumental, bowling three overs for 23 runs and claiming two wickets. His contributions were vital in maintaining the pressure on the New Zealand batting lineup.

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