India produced a stunning batting performance to defeat New Zealand by six wickets on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 in the third T20 match in Wellington. Abhishek Sharma struck 113 in 38 balls as India was able to reach 199 in just 13.2 overs.
The victory gives India a 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series and the visitors have two games left for the tour. Abhishek’s explosive innings proved crucial after New Zealand were able to score 198/3 from 20 overs.
Abhishek Sharma Leads India’s Explosive Chase.
Abhishek Sharma played a brilliant innings, one that combines powerful hitting with timing in his T20 career. His 113-run innings took 38 deliveries to complete, and it put the bowlers of New Zealand under a lot of pressure.
The left-handed opener started his attack from the outset and was able to push boundaries and make sure he always made it out of the ropes. A fast chase made India score regularly.
Abhishek’s innings contributed to India moving rapidly towards the target and reducing the pressure on the middle order. His ability to score quickly against both pace and spin made it difficult for New Zealand to build sustained pressure.
The innings also highlighted Abhishek’s increasing importance in India’s T20 game and how his attacking style can change the course of a match in a few overs.
ABHISHEK SHARMA, YOU ABSOLUTE MENACE! 🤯 A 35-ball hundred. Let that sink in! 💯 Watch the HERO VIDA India Tour of New Zealand, 3rd T20I, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels, Sony LIV & Sony Vizha. #SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #SonyVizha #NZvIND https://t.co/OvOMf1rIsy
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) October 27, 2026
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Provides Strong Support
Young batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also made a great contribution and scored 45 in 19 balls. His innings helped India to keep pace with Abhishek in the chase.
The partnership offered India the perfect platform to attack the target aggressively. And rather than leaving New Zealand’s bowlers to settle down, Indian batters kept pace and kept the required run rate under control.
India’s top-order performance turned what might have been a hard chase into a dominant display of power-hitting.
Daryl Mitchell Powers New Zealand to 198/3
New Zealand scored 198/3 in 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Daryl Mitchell took the honours with an innings of an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls to ensure a strong finish for the hosts.
Mitchell combined controlled stroke play with aggressive hitting to keep New Zealand on track for a total close to 200. Finn Allen also contributed 40 runs, while Bevon Jacobs remained unbeaten on 39.
New Zealand’s total appeared competitive, especially at home, but India’s aggressive approach during the chase prevented the hosts from putting the visitors under sustained pressure.
India holds on to win series 3–0.
India now have an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, the visitors have officially won the series with two games to play. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 113 off 38 balls was the best of the three T20Is and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s quickfire 45 added to the end of all of India’s great runs in the T20I game. New Zealand will now try to finish the series up on a good note in the remainder of the series and India will aim to keep their winning momentum going.
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