India chase down 199 runs in 13.2 overs to clinch T20I series win in New Zealand
Abhishek Sharma scored 113 and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added 45 as India reached 199 for 4 in 13.2 overs, defeating New Zealand by six wickets and securing the series.
India completed a successful chase of 199 runs in 13.2 overs at Wellington, winning by six wickets and sealing the T20I series against New Zealand. Opening partners Abhishek Sharma (113) and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (45) put together a 133-run partnership in the first 7.1 overs, taking the score to 118 for no loss at the end of the powerplay.
Sharma reached his fifty in 15 balls and his century in 35 balls, marking his fourth T20I hundred. The pair's aggressive start reduced the required run rate from 9.95 to 5.78 by the end of the powerplay. After the opening stand, India lost wickets at the end but still finished with 199 for 4, leaving 40 balls unused.
New Zealand’s bowlers, including Jacob Duffy who opened the innings, were unable to contain the run flow, conceding 26 runs in the first over. India's fast bowlers had earlier limited New Zealand to 198 for 3, with Mitchell scoring an unbeaten 89 and Allen adding 40.
The match highlighted India's strong batting depth and effective use of the short square boundaries at Hnry Stadium, while New Zealand struggled to match the opening partnership’s scoring rate.