India Seals Series with Commanding Win Over New Zealand in Guwahati

On January 25, 2026, in Guwahati, India convincingly secured their T20I series against New Zealand with a brilliant eight-wicket victory in the third match of the series. The match was highlighted by Abhishek Sharma’s stunning 14-ball fifty, the second-fastest for India in this format, guiding the team to an unassailable 3-0 lead.

Abhishek and Surya Take Charge

Abhishek Sharma’s explosive innings included several outstanding shots that dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack, making the chase of a 154-run target look effortless. Opening with Ishan Kishan, Abhishek shattered records with his quickfire 68 not out off just 20 balls. Suryakumar Yadav, contributing 57 off 26 balls, ensured there were no hiccups as India completed the chase in just 10 overs.

Jasprit Bumrah and Bowling Brilliance

Winning the toss and electing to bowl, Indian captain Hardik Pandya saw his bowlers rise to the occasion. Jasprit Bumrah, named Player of the Match, made a remarkable impact, claiming three wickets for just 17 runs. Ravi Bishnoi, another critical figure in India’s bowling lineup, took crucial paths to trouble the New Zealand batsmen, bagging two wickets for 18 runs.

New Zealand’s Struggle with the Bat

New Zealand’s innings faltered early as they were restricted to 153 for 9, with only Glenn Phillips providing substantial resistance with his 48-run knock. Despite attempts by Mitchell Santner to anchor the tail with a quick 27, the Indian bowling unit maintained its momentum to keep the visitors at bay.

The Road Ahead

This emphatic win marks India’s 11th consecutive T20I series or tournament win, showcasing their dominance in the format under home conditions since their pre-World Cup winning streak began. With two games remaining, India’s team management might opt to explore bench strength further, but the victory reaffirms their strength on the road to defending their world title.