India Thrash New Zealand to Win T20I Series 3-0
India chased down 199 runs in 13.2 overs to win the third T20I against New Zealand, sealing the series 3-0.
India's openers, Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, set a record with 118 runs in the powerplay, helping their team chase down 199 runs against New Zealand in just 13.2 overs, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Tuesday.
Abhishek Sharma scored 113 runs, his fourth T20I hundred, with 13 sixes, the most by an Indian batter in a T20I innings, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added 45 runs off 19 deliveries.
The duo put together 133 runs for the opening wicket off just 43 deliveries, laying the groundwork for India's victory.
"I think the key was pretty simple," Abhishek said.
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"It was just me and Vaibhav, just going to enjoy there for a bit, especially in the powerplay."
New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell scored an unbeaten 89 off 52 deliveries, but it was not enough to defend the total.
India now leads the T20I series 3-0, with the next match scheduled for October 30 in Auckland.
The first three matches were played in Christchurch and Wellington, with India winning each by four wickets, four wickets, and six wickets respectively.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said it was a tough pill to swallow, acknowledging India's strong batting performance.
Background
India and New Zealand have a long history of competition in international cricket, with the two teams frequently facing off in bilateral series and ICC tournaments.
The T20I series is part of the ICC's World T20I rankings, with both teams looking to improve their standings ahead of the next ICC World T20.
