Abhishek Sharma struck a breathtaking 113 off 38 balls as India defeated New Zealand by six wickets in the third Twenty20 International in Wellington on Tuesday, clinching the five-match series with two games to spare.
Chasing New Zealand's total of 198, India reached the target in just 13.2 overs, powered by a devastating 133-run opening partnership between Abhishek and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who made 45.
The result underlined India's dominance in the series, with the visitors wrapping up victory in the third consecutive match after winning the toss and electing to bowl. The performance also highlighted the emergence of a fearless opening combination capable of dismantling any bowling attack.
The opening pair's 133-run stand came in only 7.1 overs, with Jacob Duffy's first over conceding 26 runs and the openers maintaining relentless pressure throughout. Abhishek hit nine fours and 11 sixes, receiving a standing ovation when he was eventually dismissed by Kyle Jamieson, by which time India had reached 178-2 in 10 overs.
Sooryavanshi, promoted to open after batting at number three in the second T20I, struck four fours and four sixes in his 19-ball innings.
India entered the match leading the five-match series 2-0 and won the toss for the third time in three games, again choosing to field first. The victory secured the series with two matches still to be played, extending India's strong run in the format.
The fourth T20I is scheduled for Friday at Auckland's Eden Park, where India will look to extend their advantage in the remaining fixtures.
"The key was pretty simple: Vaibhav and I enjoyed our time," Abhishek said of the partnership. "When we were fielding, we saw there was some extra bounce. Vaibhav started off well, and we took the momentum from there."
India captain Shreyas Iyer added: "Getting 100 in five overs, I have not seen that before at the international level. Credit where it is due, the way they played was exceptional."
Earlier, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh extracted sharp seam movement, with Seifert removed top-edging Singh for two. Daryl Mitchell led New Zealand's response with 89 from 52 balls, combining with Finn Allen (40) and Bevon Jacobs (39 not out) in a strong batting display.
India have secured the series with two matches remaining. The fourth T20I will be played at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, followed by the final match of the tour.
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