Punjab Newsline,Sports:
India chases down 154 against New Zealand in just 10 overs; Suryakumar Yadav also shines with 57 off 26 balls
In a stunning display of power-hitting, Abhishek Sharma smashed a blistering 14-ball fifty to guide India to a commanding victory over New Zealand in the third T20 at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium. India chased down a modest target of 154 in just 10 overs, losing only two wickets, marking the second-fastest fifty in the country’s T20 history.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav also contributed significantly with a rapid 57 off 26 balls, setting the stage for a dominant run chase. New Zealand, batting first, managed only 153 runs, leaving India with an achievable target that was quickly dismantled. With this win, India sealed the five-match series with a 3-0 lead, claiming the series well before its conclusion.
Post-match, New Zealand players were seen examining the bats of both Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, highlighting the impact of India’s record-breaking innings.
This victory also marked a historic milestone for the Indian team, as it became their ninth consecutive T20 series win. Since drawing 2-2 with South Africa in December 2023, India has gone unbeaten in nine bilateral T20 series and has added two T20 tournament wins to their record.
Notably, India has now remained unbeaten in 15 consecutive T20 series, bouncing back strongly from a loss to the West Indies in July 2023. The team’s dominance extends to their encounters with New Zealand, having now defeated the Kiwis in five consecutive T20 series. New Zealand has yet to claim a T20 series win on Indian soil, with their last series victory against India coming in 2019 at home.
The Guwahati match will be remembered for its electrifying batting performances and India’s continued supremacy in the T20 format. Abhishek Sharma’s record-setting fifty, alongside Suryakumar Yadav’s aggressive innings, reinforced India’s formidable lineup and their streak of consistent victories on the international stage.
With the series victory, India continues to assert its dominance in T20 cricket, combining young talent and strategic execution to maintain an unbeaten run that few teams can rival.