The third T20I between India and New Zealand is being played in Wellington on October 27, 2026. India already leads the five-match series 2-0 and will now look to win the third match to extend its lead. New Zealand scored 198/3 in 20 overs while batting first. In response, India's batters started the chase so aggressively that several records were reportedly created within the first few overs of the match. The opening partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi put pressure on New Zealand's bowlers. India scored 118 runs in just six overs, setting a historic Powerplay record in T20 International cricket. Abhishek Sharma also completed his century in just 35 balls, making his innings the biggest highlight of the match.

Daryl Mitchell's Brilliant Batting Helps New Zealand Score 198 Runs

After winning the toss, India captain Shreyas Iyer decided to bowl first. New Zealand's batters delivered a strong performance and helped the team reach a competitive total. Daryl Mitchell played an excellent innings , scoring an unbeaten 89 runs off 52 balls. His innings featured some impressive shots and boundaries. Bevon Jacobs also supported him well, remaining unbeaten on 39 runs off 23 balls. Finn Allen contributed a quick 40 off 25 balls. He tried to put pressure on the Indian bowlers from the very beginning with his aggressive batting. For India, Arshdeep Singh , Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up one wicket each. New Zealand continued to score runs in the final overs, finishing their innings at 198/3 in 20 overs.

Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Deliver a Record-Breaking Powerplay

Chasing a target of 199 runs, the Indian team got an explosive start from Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Both batters attacked New Zealand's bowlers and scored 118 runs in the first six overs. This was India's highest-ever Powerplay score in T20 International cricket. India reached the 50-run mark in just 2.2 overs. This rapid start put New Zealand's bowling attack under immense pressure. Abhishek Sharma completed his half-century in just 15 balls. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also batted aggressively, hitting boundaries and helping India increase the scoring rate rapidly.

 Abhishek Sharma's Explosive Century

Abhishek Sharma grabbed everyone's attention with his outstanding batting performance. He smashed 113 runs off just 37 balls, playing a series of attacking shots against New Zealand's bowlers. His innings was packed with boundaries and sixes. With his aggressive approach, Abhishek played a crucial role in bringing India very close to the target. His century shifted the momentum of the match in India's favour. New Zealand's bowlers struggled to contain him as he continued to score runs at a remarkable pace. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also supported him well at the top of the order, helping India get off to a record - breaking start.



India won by 6 wickets, 3-0 Series lead

In the third T20I between India and New Zealand, Team India chased down the target of 199 runs in just 13.2 overs, securing an impressive six-wicket victory. With this win, India took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. Abhishek Sharma's explosive 113-run innings was the biggest highlight of the match. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also contributed 45 runs off just 19 balls, giving India a record-breaking start. Their aggressive batting kept New Zealand's bowlers under constant pressure. Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. India's dominant victory further strengthened its position in the series. New Zealand will now look to bounce back in the remaining matches.