Full Breakdown
Abhishek Sharma’s 113-Run Blitz Secures India’s Series-Clinching Win Over New Zealand
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In this breakdown
01
Match-Winning Century
On October 27, 2026, India posted a six-wicket victory against New Zealand in the third T20 International at Wellington, clinching a 3-0 lead. Opening batsman Abhishek Sharma made 113 from 38 balls (nine fours, 11 sixes) and reached his hundred in 35 deliveries. Partner Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added 45 off 19 balls, giving a 133-run opening partnership in 7.1 overs. India chased 199 in 13.2 overs, finishing with 40 balls to spare.
02
Record-Breaking Partnership and Powerplay
The pair put on 118 runs without loss in the powerplay, a new record for the highest powerplay total by a Full Member nation in men’s T20Is. Their run rate of 18.13 runs per over was the highest for any 100-run partnership in the format, and the first over yielded 26 runs.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Yuvraj Singh’s 12-Ball Fifty Challenge
Former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh posted on X:
- “You still can't get 50 off 12 can you @abhisheksharma_4! Looks like two left-handers batting in their backyard! @vaibhav_sooryavanshi09,”
04
Sharma’s Response
Sharma acknowledged the difficulty of a 12-ball fifty and stressed team goals:
- “I don’t know what cricket he was playing back then, but it’s not that easy. You can’t just go and score 50 off 12 balls. It just happens once in a while.”
He also highlighted preparation:
05
Data & Statistics
- Abhishek Sharma: 113 runs, 38 balls, SR 297.37, 11 six, 9 four.
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: 45 runs, 19 balls, 4 six, 4 four.
- Opening partnership: 133 runs in 43 balls (RR 18.13).
- Powerplay: 118/0 in six overs (record).
- Chase: 199 in 13.2 overs (40 balls left).
- NZ total: 198/3, Daryl Mitchell 89 off 52.
06
Official Statements & Reactions
India captain Shreyas Iyer called the start “exceptional” and said it swung the series. New Zealand bowler Kyle Jamieson noted the difficulty of containing Sharma, citing the “extra bounce” and ground dimensions.
07
Verbatim Quotes
- “I would say if any batter wants to go there and bat like that, it's not easy at all. You can't just go and score 50 off 12 balls. It just happens once in a while,” — Abhishek Sharma
- “You still can't get 50 off 12 can you @abhisheksharma_4! Looks like two left handers batting in their backyard! @vaibhav_sooryavanshi09,” — Yuvraj Singh
08
What’s Next
With the series secured, India heads to Auckland for the fourth T20 at Eden Park on Friday, then the final at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday, aiming to complete a sweep.