Team India asserted total control in the T20 series against New Zealand, storming to an 8-wicket victory in the decider at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium. Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav’s pyrotechnics saw India overhaul 154 in a mere 10 overs, securing an unassailable 3-0 advantage.
New Zealand’s batsmen faltered after being put in to bat, slumping to 34 for 3. Phillips top-scored with 48 off 40 balls, including 7 fours, while Chapman made 32 in a crucial 52-run recovery. Santner contributed 27, but the total of 153 for 9 proved inadequate.
India’s attack was led by Bumrah’s 3 wickets for 17 runs, with Pandya and Bishnoi each bagging a brace. Rana picked up the other. Samson fell first ball in the chase, but Kishan (28 off 13, with 3 fours and 2 sixes) and Abhishek’s 53-run partnership in 19 balls shifted momentum.
Abhishek remained unbeaten on 68 from 20 balls (7 fours, 5 sixes), blasting his way with Suryakumar unbeaten on 57 off 26 (6 fours, 3 sixes). Their 102-run stand off 40 balls sealed a comprehensive win. The series concludes with games in Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram.