In a display of T20 dominance, India wrapped up the series against New Zealand with a commanding 8-wicket win in Guwahati. Chasing 154, the hosts needed only 10 overs, thanks to a sensational partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav that left the Black Caps shell-shocked.
Opting to field, India’s bowlers dismantled New Zealand’s top order, reducing them to 34 for 3. Phillips fought back with 48 runs featuring 7 boundaries, partnering Chapman for 52 runs. Santner added 27 lower down, but the innings folded at 153 for 9.
Bumrah’s lethal spell of 3-17 set the tone, supported by Pandya and Bishnoi’s twin hauls of 2 wickets each. Rana snared one. India’s chase began shakily with Samson out for zero, but Kishan smashed 28 off 13 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes) alongside Abhishek to lay the foundation.
The duo’s 53-run stand in 19 balls paved the way for Abhishek’s 68* (7 fours, 5 sixes) and Suryakumar’s 57* (6 fours, 3 sixes), forging a match-winning 102-run alliance. Henry and Sodhi accounted for the two wickets. With this third straight win, India eyes a clean sweep in the upcoming matches in Vizag and Trivandrum.
