India vs New Zealand Highlights, 3rd T20I | Jan 25: Abhishek Sharma Blitz Powers India to Series Win in Guwahati

India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I at Guwahati, Jan 25 2026: India defeated New Zealand by 8 wickets to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. At Barsapara Cricket Stadium, New Zealand posted 153/9 in their 20 overs, but India chased it down in just 10 overs, finishing at 155/2. The result consolidated India’s dominance in the series.

India, having elected to field after winning the toss, capitalized on early opportunities as New Zealand struggled to build substantial partnerships. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra fell cheaply, leaving the Kiwis at 13/2 within the first two overs. Tim Seifert offered some resistance, but the middle-order once again came under pressure from disciplined Indian bowling, particularly Ravi Bishnoi and Jasprit Bumrah. Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman briefly steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership, but wickets continued to fall regularly, restricting New Zealand to a modest total of 153. Extras were minimal, with only five runs from byes and wides.

India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah and Pandya, maintained tight lines and lengths throughout, allowing minimal scoring opportunities in the powerplay and middle overs. Bumrah finished with 3/17, while Pandya and Bishnoi contributed two wickets each, reflecting a balanced bowling performance that consistently applied pressure. Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube were less penetrative, but their overs were economical enough to maintain control.

Chasing 154, India’s innings was propelled by a counter-attacking approach. Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav delivered rapid scoring, with Sharma reaching 68 off 20 balls and Yadav 57 off 26, establishing decisive partnerships that dismantled New Zealand’s bowling. The chase was completed in just 10 overs, indicating a dominant display of batting efficiency and calculated aggression. Extras added minimally to the total, emphasizing the clinical nature of the chase.

The tactical setup by India emphasized bowling depth and adaptability, particularly in exploiting New Zealand’s vulnerabilities against wrist spin and pace variations. Despite early losses of Samson and Kishan, India’s middle-order capitalized on loose deliveries, turning the chase into a formality and leaving New Zealand unable to recover momentum.

Toss Winner

India, upon winning the toss, decided to bowl first.

Key Moment

The decisive turning point came with Abhishek Sharma’s rapid 50 off 14 balls in the powerplay, which shifted momentum firmly in India’s favor and set up a chase that New Zealand could not threaten.

Star Performer / MVP

Jasprit Bumrah defined the match with 3/17, dismantling the top and middle-order of New Zealand at critical stages to restrict their total to 153.

India vs New Zealand Match Summary

NZ vs IND Playing XI

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy

India: Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah

Disclaimer: This match highlight is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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