India Crushes New Zealand by 8 Wickets, Clinches T20I Series 3-0
GUWAHATI, INDIA – January 28, 2026 – India delivered a commanding performance to defeat New Zealand by eight wickets in the third T20I, securing an unassailable 3-0 series lead with two matches remaining. The hosts chased down a target of 154 in just 10 overs, powered by explosive half-centuries from opener Abhishek Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav.
Dominant Batting Display Seals Victory
India’s chase began dramatically with Sanju Samson dismissed on the first ball, but Abhishek Sharma’s brutal assault on the New Zealand bowlers quickly turned the tide. The young opener reached his fifty in just 14 balls, narrowly missing Yuvraj Singh’s record of 12 balls, and finished unbeaten on 68 from just 20 deliveries. Captain Suryakumar Yadav provided steady support with 57* from 26 balls as the pair added 102 runs for the third wicket.
“That’s what my team wants from me,” Sharma said after the match. “Not easy to do it every time. Yuvraj’s 12-ball fifty is impossible to beat. It’s mental and the support you get from teammates.”
Bowling Performance Sets Stage
Earlier, New Zealand struggled against a disciplined Indian bowling attack, managing only 153/9 in their 20 overs. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah led the attack with figures of 3/17 from his four overs, while leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi contributed 2/18. Glenn Phillips top-scored for the visitors with 48 from 40 balls, but regular wickets prevented any substantial partnerships from developing.
Key Match Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Total | 153/9 (20 overs) |
| India Target | 154 runs |
| India Chase Completed | 10 overs (155/2) |
| Abhishek Sharma Score | 68* (20 balls, 7 fours, 5 sixes) |
| Suryakumar Yadav Score | 57* (26 balls, 6 fours, 3 sixes) |
| Jasprit Bumrah Figures | 3/17 (4 overs) |
| Series Status | India leads 3-0 (5-match series) |
Series Context and Upcoming Fixtures
This five-match T20I series serves as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be hosted in India and Sri Lanka starting February 7. New Zealand will be looking to regroup quickly, with the fourth T20I scheduled for today (January 28) at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
India’s dominant performance in the T20I series follows New Zealand’s surprise victory in the ODI series that preceded these matches. The visitors had won the ODI series 2-1, making India’s comprehensive T20I response particularly impressive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the third T20I?
India defeated New Zealand by eight wickets, chasing 154 runs in just 10 overs. New Zealand scored 153/9 in their innings, with Glenn Phillips top-scoring with 48. India’s reply was led by Abhishek Sharma (68*) and Suryakumar Yadav (57*).
Who was named player of the match?
Jasprit Bumrah received the player of the match award for his figures of 3/17, which included key wickets at crucial moments. His spell helped restrict New Zealand to a manageable total.
What is the current series status?
India has secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, with two matches remaining. The fourth T20I will be played today in Visakhapatnam, followed by the final match on January 31 in Thiruvananthapuram.
How does this affect T20 World Cup preparations?
Both teams are using this series as preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. India’s dominant performance suggests they are in excellent form, while New Zealand will need to address several areas if they hope to compete at the tournament next month.