India Crushes New Zealand by Eight Wickets to Sweep T20I Series 3-0

Guwahati, Jan 2026 : With the T20 World Cup just around the corner, Team India sent a strong warning to their rivals, dominating New Zealand by eight wickets in the third T20I at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. This emphatic win also secured a 3-0 series sweep for India in the five-match series, leaving the BlackCaps scrambling for answers.

Despite an early hiccup in the chase, with Matt Henry dismissing Sanju Samson on the very first ball of India’s innings, the hosts quickly recovered thanks to an explosive partnership between Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and captain Suryakumar Yadav. The trio played fearless cricket, punishing every loose delivery as India raced to victory well before the drinks break.

Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan shared a 53-run stand in just 19 balls, with Kishan scoring a rapid 13-ball 28, featuring three fours and two sixes. After Kishan’s dismissal, the stage was set for Abhishek and Surya to take full control. The opening batter smashed the second-fastest fifty by an Indian in T20Is, while Yadav continued his rich form, hitting boundaries with ease and keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Abhishek remained unbeaten on 68 off just 20 balls, while Surya Yadav finished 57 not out off 26 deliveries, sealing the chase in just 10 overs. Their aggressive approach highlighted India’s intent and form as defending T20 World Cup champions.

Earlier, India’s bowlers had already tilted the game heavily in their favour. Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi Bishnoi, and Hardik Pandya orchestrated a stunning collapse, reducing New Zealand to 153/9 in 20 overs. India’s attack was clinical from the outset, restricting the visitors to 36/3 in the powerplay.

Hardik Pandya made an immediate impact, taking part in the early dismissals. He assisted Harshit Rana in removing Devon Conway with a brilliant diving catch in the first over, then accounted for Rachin Ravindra himself in the next. Bumrah struck early too, sending back Tim Seifert on his first delivery, giving India three quick wickets and putting immense pressure on the Kiwi middle order.

Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman tried to steady the innings with some boundaries, but Ravi Bishnoi broke their partnership, dismissing Chapman (32) with a well-flighted googly and later removing Phillips (48). Pandya struck again to dismiss Daryl Mitchell, while Bumrah’s fiery spell accounted for Kyle Jamieson and Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry was run out, leaving New Zealand short of a competitive total.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 153/9 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 48, Mark Chapman 32; Jasprit Bumrah 3-17, Ravi Bishnoi 2-18) lost to India 155/2 in 10 overs (Abhishek Sharma 68, Suryakumar Yadav 57; Matt Henry 1-28, Ish Sodhi 1-28) by eight wickets.

The emphatic win not only showcased India’s batting firepower and bowling depth but also sent a clear message to the world: the defending champions are in peak form and ready to defend their title at the T20 World Cup.

Team Maverick.