India beat New Zealand by six wickets with 40 balls to spare in the third T20I in Wellington. They chased 199 in just 13.2 overs behind a record-breaking opening stand and clinched the series with two games still to play.
New Zealand Post a Solid Total
India won the toss and chose to field. Daryl Mitchell led New Zealand’s innings with an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls, though he scored only 35 off his last 26 balls, and Finn Allen added 40 at the top. Bevon Jacobs put on an unbroken partnership with Mitchell late on, and New Zealand finished on 198/3, which looked like a challenging total.
A Record-Breaking Start
India’s chase was nothing like a challenge. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was sent in to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, and the pair tore into New Zealand’s attack, racing to 118/0 in the powerplay, a T20I record. Their opening stand reached 132 in the first seven overs, and no line or length worked for New Zealand’s bowlers.
Abhishek hit 113 off just 38 balls and Sooryavanshi made 45 before the wickets started to fall. Sanju Samson was bowled by Kyle Jamieson for 18, who took two wickets, but the match was already won, and India got home with 40 balls remaining. Abhishek was named Player of the Match.
What It Means
India lead the five-match series 3-0 and have a winning habit again, after a record chase in the opener and a thriller in the second match. Sending Sooryavanshi to open was a bold tactical move that paid off in spectacular fashion. For New Zealand, 198 was a decent total, but their bowlers had no answer, and they will need to find a way to stop India’s top order if they are to save the series.
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