Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 25: India produced a dominant all-round performance to register an emphatic eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third T20I, riding on explosive half-centuries by Abhishek Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav, and clinched an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series here on Sunday.
After opting to bowl, India’s disciplined attack restricted the visitors to a modest 153 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Jasprit Bumrah led the charge with impressive figures of 3 for 17, while Hardik Pandya (2/23), Ravi Bishnoi (2/18) and Harshit Rana (1/35) chipped in with timely breakthroughs.
For New Zealand, Glenn Phillips top-scored with a fighting 48, with Mark Chapman (32) and Mitchell Santner (27) offering some resistance in the middle order.
Chasing the target, India made light work of the total, racing to 155 for 2 in just 10 overs. Young opener Abhishek Sharma set the tone with a blistering 68 off just 20 balls, peppering the boundary with ease. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav complemented him perfectly, smashing 57 off 26 deliveries to ensure a swift finish.
Matt Henry was the only bowler to taste success for the Kiwis, claiming two wickets, but the hosts were firmly in control throughout the chase.
India had earlier won the first two T20Is, and the comprehensive win on Sunday sealed the series in style.