Guwahati, Jan 25, 2026 India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I highlights – In a display of pure T20 carnage, the Indian National Cricket Team dismantled New Zealand by eight wickets at the Barsapara Stadium, chasing down a target of 154 in just 10 overs. The clinical victory gives India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, marking the fastest chase of a 150+ total by a full-member nation in T20I history.
The Bowling Masterclass: Bumrah and Bishnoi Strangle the Kiwis
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, India’s attack was relentless. Returning to the side after nearly a year, Ravi Bishnoi (2/18) proved exactly why he remains a vital asset, breaking a dangerous 52-run partnership between Glenn Phillips (48) and Mark Chapman (32).
However, it was Jasprit Bumrah who stole the show. With figures of 3/17, Bumrah dismantled the New Zealand lower order and provided crucial breakthroughs at the top. Supported by Hardik Pandya (2/23) and Harshit Rana, the Indian bowlers restricted the Black Caps to a sub-par 153/9.
The Chase: Hurricane Abhishek and SKY Masterclass
The Indian response began with a minor hiccup as Sanju Samson fell for a golden duck to Matt Henry on the very first ball. Any hope of a New Zealand comeback was quickly extinguished by a “Hurricane” named Abhishek Sharma.
Abhishek played an innings of terrifying audacity, smashing a 14-ball fifty—the second-fastest by an Indian, trailing only Yuvraj Singh’s iconic 12-ball effort. He finished unbeaten on 68 off just 20 balls*, peppered with 7 fours and 5 sixes.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav joined the party, matching Abhishek stroke for stroke. SKY notched up his own half-century in just 25 balls, finishing on 57 off 26*. Their unbeaten 102-run partnership saw India reach 155/2 in exactly 60 balls, finishing the game with half the overs to spare.
Match Summary
- New Zealand: 153/9 (20 Overs)
- Glenn Phillips: 48 (40)
- Jasprit Bumrah: 3/17
- India: 155/2 (10 Overs)
- Abhishek Sharma: 68 (20)*
- Suryakumar Yadav: 57 (26)*
- Result: India won by 8 wickets (Series 3-0)
- Player of the Match: Jasprit Bumrah
What’s Next?
With the series already in the bag, the caravan moves to Visakhapatnam for the fourth T20I on Wednesday, January 28. India will look to continue their dominant run as they fine-tune their combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup starting next month.
