Wellington, October 27, 2026: India beat New Zealand by six wickets in the third T20 International at Wellington on Tuesday to take an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match series. Opener Abhishek Sharma led the chase with 113 from 38 balls, reaching his century in only 35 deliveries.
India chase 199 in 13.2 overs
New Zealand posted 198 for three in 20 overs, with Daryl Mitchell top-scoring with an unbeaten 89. India replied with 199 for four in 13.2 overs, completing the chase with 40 balls remaining.
Abhishek and Sooryavanshi set a powerplay record
Abhishek struck nine fours and 11 sixes in his innings. He and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who made 45, added 133 for the opening wicket. India scored 118 runs in the first six overs, a record powerplay total among Full Member teams in men’s T20 internationals, according to Reuters.
Most T20 hundreds among Indian batters
The century was Abhishek’s 11th in all T20 cricket, moving him past Virat Kohli’s 10 centuries in the format. It was also his fourth T20I hundred. Abhishek was named Player of the Match.
Series moves to Auckland
With two matches remaining, India have already secured the series. The fourth T20I is scheduled for Auckland on Friday, October 30, followed by the final match on November 1.
Sources: BCCI official match centre; ICC match centre; Reuters match report; The Indian Express.
