India produced a stunning batting performance against New Zealand in the third T20 International on October 27, 2026, as Abhishek Sharma and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi rewrote the record books. Abhishek’s explosive century powered India to a six-wicket victory and an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
Chasing a target of 199 runs, India reached 199/4 in just 13.2 overs, completing the chase with 40 balls remaining. The result highlighted India’s aggressive batting approach and gave cricket fans an extraordinary display of power hitting.
India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I: Match Highlights
Here are the key details from the third T20I:
- Match: India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I
- Date: October 27, 2026
- New Zealand score: 198/3 in 20 overs
- India score: 199/4 in 13.2 overs
- Result: India won by six wickets
- Series score: India lead 3–0 in the five-match series
- Top performer: Abhishek Sharma, 113 off 38 balls
- Key contribution: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, 45 off 18 balls
Abhishek Sharma Smashes a Record-Breaking Century
Abhishek Sharma delivered one of the most remarkable innings of his T20I career, scoring 113 runs from just 38 deliveries. His century came off only 35 balls, making it an extraordinary display of attacking batting.
The left-handed batter combined timing, power and fearless stroke play to put New Zealand’s bowlers under immediate pressure. He struck 11 sixes and nine fours, repeatedly clearing the boundary and keeping India’s required run rate comfortably under control.
Abhishek’s innings was central to India’s successful chase. Rather than allowing the target to become difficult, he attacked from the beginning and helped India move rapidly towards victory.
His century also added another milestone to an already impressive T20 career.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Provides Explosive Support
Teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made a major contribution at the other end, scoring 45 runs from just 18 balls.
Promoted to open alongside Abhishek, the young left-hander showed confidence against New Zealand’s bowling attack. His aggressive approach allowed India to build momentum from the opening overs.
The pair’s opening partnership produced 133 runs in approximately seven overs, putting India firmly in control of the chase.
Their partnership was particularly notable for its scoring rate. According to match reports, Abhishek and Sooryavanshi scored at 18.13 runs per over during their 100-plus opening stand, setting a new record for the highest run rate in such a partnership in men’s T20 internationals.
India Create History in the Powerplay
India’s opening batters made a flying start to the chase, reaching 118 without loss in the first six overs.
The team reached 50 runs in just 2.2 overs, equalling the joint record for the fastest team fifty in men’s T20 internationals. India then went a step further by reaching 100 runs in only five overs, setting a new world record for the fastest team hundred in men’s T20Is.
These milestones demonstrated the impact of India’s aggressive approach. New Zealand struggled to slow the scoring rate as both batters attacked the bowling from the outset.
The rapid powerplay also meant that India needed only a relatively small number of runs from the remaining overs.
New Zealand Post 198 Runs Against India
New Zealand scored 198/3 in their allotted 20 overs, setting India a challenging target of 199.
Daryl Mitchell led the home side’s batting effort with an unbeaten 89 from 52 balls, while Finn Allen contributed 40 runs.
The hosts appeared to have posted a competitive total, but India’s extraordinary opening partnership changed the match completely. The rapid scoring meant that New Zealand’s total was chased down with considerable time to spare.
India Chase Down 199 in Just 13.2 Overs
India’s reply began with an aggressive opening partnership that immediately shifted the pressure onto New Zealand.
Abhishek and Sooryavanshi attacked the bowlers, finding boundaries regularly and reducing the required run rate. Although New Zealand eventually dismissed the openers and took additional wickets, India’s strong start had already put the chase within reach.
India completed the target at 199/4 in 13.2 overs, winning the match by six wickets.
The victory also confirmed India’s 3–0 series lead, with two matches still remaining in the five-match T20I series.
Why Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Partnership Matters
The partnership stood out for three major reasons.
1. A remarkable scoring rate
Scoring at more than 18 runs per over in a 100-plus opening partnership is an extraordinary achievement in international T20 cricket.
2. A record-breaking team start
India’s 100 runs in five overs established a new men’s T20I record, demonstrating how quickly an opening pair can change the course of a match.
3. A memorable performance from a young batter
Sooryavanshi’s contribution alongside the experienced Abhishek Sharma demonstrated how an aggressive opening partnership can put pressure on even an international bowling attack.
What India’s Victory Means for the T20I Series
With three consecutive victories, India have secured an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match series.
The result gives India an opportunity to assess players and combinations in the remaining fixtures, while New Zealand will look to respond in the fourth T20I.
For Indian cricket fans, the match will be remembered for Abhishek’s rapid century, Sooryavanshi’s attacking contribution and the record-breaking powerplay that made the chase one-sided.
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi break?
Their opening partnership recorded the highest run rate for a 100-plus opening partnership in men’s T20 internationals, at 18.13 runs per over. India also set a new record by reaching 100 runs in five overs.
How many runs did Abhishek Sharma score against New Zealand?
Abhishek Sharma scored 113 runs off 38 balls, reaching his century in 35 deliveries.
How many runs did Vaibhav Sooryavanshi score?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 45 runs from 18 balls, helping India build a rapid opening partnership.
Who won the third T20I between India and New Zealand?
India won by six wickets after chasing New Zealand’s 198/3 with a final score of 199/4 in 13.2 overs.
What is the series score after the third T20I?
India lead the five-match series 3–0, securing the series with two matches remaining.
Conclusion
Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered a historic batting performance in the third T20I against New Zealand. Abhishek’s 35-ball century, Sooryavanshi’s quick-fire 45 and India’s record-breaking powerplay helped the visitors chase 199 in just 13.2 overs.
The six-wicket victory gave India an unassailable 3–0 series lead and provided one of the most memorable batting displays of the tour.
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