In a stunning display of talent, Indian opener Abhishek Sharma achieved a remarkable 14-ball fifty, leading the team to a decisive eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the T20 series. The match, held in Guwahati, highlighted India’s dominance as they chased down a target of 154 runs with ten overs to spare.
Match Overview
Abhishek Sharma’s explosive performance saw him score an unbeaten 68 runs off just 20 balls. He was well-supported by Suryakumar Yadav, who contributed an impressive 57 not out off 26 deliveries. This victory secured India’s unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20 series.
New Zealand’s Batting Performance
After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bat first and finished their innings at 153 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Glenn Phillips was the standout performer, scoring 48 runs from 40 balls. Indian bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Ravi Bishnoi played crucial roles in restricting the opposition’s scoring.
- Glenn Phillips: 48 runs off 40 balls
- Jasprit Bumrah: 3 wickets for 17 runs
- Hardik Pandya: 2 wickets
- Ravi Bishnoi: 2 wickets
India’s Dominating Chase
India’s innings began with a setback as Sanju Samson was dismissed without scoring on the first ball, bowled by New Zealand’s Matt Henry. However, Abhishek Sharma quickly set the tone for the chase, forming a rapid partnership of 53 runs with Ishan Kishan in just 19 balls.
Abhishek’s explosive innings saw him reach his fifty in record time, hitting a six off the last ball of the powerplay. His innings included a total of seven fours and five sixes, showcasing his aggressive batting style. Suryakumar Yadav also maintained the momentum, hitting six fours and three sixes, ultimately sealing the victory with consecutive boundaries.
Upcoming Fixtures
The next match in the series will take place in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. As the reigning T20 World Cup champions, India remains a strong contender to defend their title in the upcoming tournament, set to begin on February 7.
This victory not only boosts India’s confidence following their previous loss in the one-day international series against New Zealand but also solidifies their status in T20 cricket. Abhishek Sharma’s exceptional 14-ball fifty stands out as a memorable highlight in this match, further underlining his potential in international cricket.
