Guwahati witnessed a batting masterclass as India demolished New Zealand by 8 wickets to grab a 3-0 stranglehold on the T20 series. The chase of 154 was a cakewalk in 10 overs, driven by Abhishek Sharma’s 68* off 20 and Suryakumar Yadav’s 57* off 26.
Batting first, New Zealand lost three quick wickets to be 34 for 3. Phillips (48, 7 fours) and Chapman (32) revived hopes with 52 runs, and Santner added 27, but 153 for 9 was below par. Bumrah tore through with 3-17, Pandya and Bishnoi took 2 each, Rana one.
India’s innings started with Samson’s golden duck, but Ishan Kishan’s fiery 28 off 13 (3×4, 2×6) and Abhishek’s synergy built 53 in 19 balls. The unbroken 102-run third-wicket stand followed, with Abhishek’s 7 fours and 5 sixes, and Suryakumar’s 6 fours and 3 sixes overwhelming the bowlers. Henry and Sodhi got a wicket apiece.
This emphatic triumph caps a perfect run so far. Fans can expect more action in the dead rubbers at Visakhapatnam on the 28th and Thiruvananthapuram on the 31st.