India sealed the T20I series against New Zealand in emphatic fashion on Sunday, riding on a world-cup ready batting display to register an eight-wicket win in the third match here.
Chasing 154, the hosts finished the job in just 10 overs, with Abhishek Sharma producing a blistering unbeaten 68 off 20 balls and skipper Suryakumar Yadav continuing his fine form with 57 not out from 26 deliveries. The duo shared an unbroken 102-run stand for the third wicket to wrap up the chase with 60 balls to spare.
India had an early setback when Sanju Samson was dismissed for a Golden duck, extending his poor run in the series.
However, Abhishek and Ishan Kishan ensured there was no let-up. Ishan, coming off a match-winning knock in Raipur, struck a quick 28 off 13 balls as India surged to 94 for 2 in the powerplay, their second-highest ever.
After Ishan’s dismissal, Suryakumar joined Abhishek and kept the scoring rate soaring, finding gaps with ease and clearing the ropes at will to close out the chase without further trouble.
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Earlier, India’s bowlers set up the win by restricting New Zealand to 153 for 9. Jasprit Bumrah led the attack with three wickets, while Hardik Pandya picked up two and Ravi Bishnoi impressed on his return with controlled spells through the middle overs.
New Zealand were pegged back early at 36 for 3 and, despite some resistance from Glenn Phillips (48) and Mark Chapman (32), never fully recovered.
India tightened the screws after a brief fightback, ensuring a comprehensive victory and an unassailable 3-0 series lead.
