India Chase Down 199 in Just 13.2 Overs; Abhishek’s 113 off 38 Balls Powers Dominant Victory in Wellington
Wellington, October 27, 2026 (JK Patrika Sports Desk): India produced a sensational batting performance to defeat New Zealand by six wickets in the third T20 International at Hnry Stadium, Wellington, completing a remarkable chase of 199 runs in just 13.2 overs. Abhishek Sharma was the star of the contest, smashing a breathtaking 113 off only 38 balls to power India to victory.
New Zealand, batting first after India won the toss and elected to field, posted a formidable 198/3 in 20 overs. Daryl Mitchell led the hosts’ innings with an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls, while Finn Allen contributed 40 off 25 deliveries. The New Zealand batters looked set to put India under pressure with an imposing total.
However, India’s response turned the contest into a one-sided affair. Abhishek Sharma attacked from the outset, finding boundaries regularly and dismantling the New Zealand bowling attack with an explosive display of power-hitting. His 38-ball century proved decisive, leaving the hosts with few answers as the required run rate quickly became irrelevant.
Teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also made an impact, scoring 45 off 19 balls and providing valuable support during India’s rapid chase. The pair’s aggressive approach put India firmly in control and ensured the visitors reached the target with 40 balls remaining.
Earlier, New Zealand had relied on Mitchell’s substantial contribution to build a competitive total. India’s bowlers were unable to completely contain the home side, but the batting unit more than compensated with an extraordinary run chase.
The victory strengthened India’s position in the five-match T20I series after they had won the first two matches by four wickets each. The third consecutive win gave India a commanding 3-0 lead in the series, underlining their strong performance on the New Zealand tour.
Abhishek Sharma’s match-winning century stood out as the defining performance of the evening, combining remarkable scoring speed with decisive impact. India’s emphatic win in Wellington will be remembered for the team’s aggressive intent and the young batter’s extraordinary innings.
Match Summary
- New Zealand: 198/3 in 20 overs
- India: 199/4 in 13.2 overs
- Result: India won by six wickets
- Top scorer for New Zealand: Daryl Mitchell — 89 off 52 balls
- Top scorer for India: Abhishek Sharma — 113 off 38 balls
- India’s series lead: 3-0 in the five-match series
