Record Powerplay Stand Fuels India's Chase Against New Zealand

A record-breaking powerplay opening stand set the tone as India overpowered New Zealand by six wickets in the third T20 International in Wellington. The win extends India's lead in the series to 3-0.

India were set 199 to win at the Henry Stadium. They reached the target in 13.2 overs, having lost four wickets, with Abhishek Sharma's explosive hundred proving decisive.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma, both left-handers, opened the innings and attacked from the start. Their onslaught against the New Zealand bowlers produced a new world record for the powerplay in international cricket.

In the six overs of the powerplay, the openers put together 118 runs. Vaibhav scored 44 from 17 balls, hitting four fours and four sixes. Abhishek scored 67 from 20 balls, with seven fours and six sixes.

India's first wicket fell at 133, with Vaibhav dismissed after scoring 45 from 19 deliveries.

Abhishek then reached his fourth century in T20 Internationals. His innings of 113 came off 38 balls and included 11 sixes and nine fours. He was out in the final ball of the 10th over with the score on 178.

Shreyas Iyer scored 5 and Sanju Samson 18 before they were dismissed. Naman Dhir and Tilak Varma stayed unbeaten on 4 and 1 as India took the total to 199 for 4 in 13.2 overs.

New Zealand had elected to bat after losing the toss and made 198 for 3. Opener Allen contributed 40 from 25 balls, with five sixes. Phillips made 17.

Mitchell and Jacobs shared a 75-run partnership from 48 balls, which carried New Zealand to 198 for 3. Mitchell was unbeaten on 89 off 52 balls, with five fours and five sixes. Jacobs finished unbeaten on 39 off 23 balls, with four fours and a six.