Abhishek Sharma’s 35-Ball Century Powers India to Series Win Over New Zealand
Abhishek Sharma delivered a stunning batting performance as India defeated New Zealand by six wickets in the third T20I in Wellington on October 27. He reached his century in just 35 balls, turning a demanding chase into a commanding Indian victory.
The win gave India an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match series. With two games remaining, the visitors have already secured the series trophy.
India vs New Zealand: Third T20I Result
| Match detail | Result |
|---|---|
| Venue | Wellington |
| Match date | October 27, 2026 |
| New Zealand | 198/3 in 20 overs |
| India | 199/4 in 13.2 overs |
| Winning margin | India won by six wickets |
| Player of the Match | Abhishek Sharma |
India won the toss and chose to field. Abhishek’s 113 from 38 deliveries earned him the Player of the Match award. The official BCCI match centre confirms the scores and result.
Abhishek and Vaibhav Set the Pace
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi supported Abhishek with an aggressive 45 from 19 balls. Together, the openers put on 133 runs for the first wicket.
India scored 118 during the six-over powerplay. That opening burst sharply reduced the pressure of chasing 199 and forced New Zealand to search for wickets early.
Abhishek eventually fell after scoring 113. The official ICC scorecard lists nine fours and 11 sixes in his innings.
Match Analysis: Why the Powerplay Changed Everything
The clearest difference was how quickly India reduced the target.
At the start, the visitors needed almost 10 runs per over. After scoring 118 in six overs, they needed only 81 from the remaining 14 overs. That brought the required rate below six.
This calculation explains why the opening partnership mattered beyond its entertainment value. India created enough room to absorb later wickets without allowing the chase to become tight.
New Zealand needed a sequence of breakthroughs. India, meanwhile, could finish through a mixture of boundaries and lower-risk scoring.
The performance also shows the tactical value of two attacking openers. When both score quickly, the bowling side has fewer opportunities to rebuild pressure at the other end.
Daryl Mitchell’s Effort Was Not Enough
Earlier, Daryl Mitchell made an unbeaten 89 from 52 balls to help New Zealand reach 198/3. His contribution gave the hosts a substantial total, but India’s opening assault overwhelmed that advantage.
The result offers a useful distinction: posting a strong score does not guarantee control of a T20 match. Powerplay bowling and early wickets can determine whether that total remains competitive.
When Is India’s Next Match?
The fourth T20I is scheduled for October 30 at Eden Park in Auckland. The listed start time is 12:30 PM IST. ICC
With the series secured, attention will turn to India’s team selection and whether New Zealand can produce a response. Any rotation remains a possibility, rather than a confirmed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the third T20I between India and New Zealand?
India won by six wickets in Wellington on October 27, 2026.
2. How many balls did Abhishek Sharma take to score his century?
Abhishek reached his hundred in 35 balls. He finished with 113 from 38 deliveries.
3. Did Abhishek Sharma remain unbeaten?
No. The ICC scorecard records him as caught by Glenn Phillips off Kyle Jamieson..
4. Has India won the T20I series?
Yes. The Wellington victory gave India an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match series.
5. When is the fourth India vs New Zealand T20I?
The fourth match is scheduled for October 30 in Auckland, starting at 12:30 PM IST.