India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I Live Update: Abhishek Sharma’s 15-Ball Fifty Takes India to 100 in 5 Overs
India have produced one of the most explosive powerplay starts in T20I cricket in the third T20I against New Zealand at Wellington, racing to 100 runs in just 5 overs while chasing New Zealand’s 198/3. Abhishek Sharma smashed a 15-ball fifty and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi matched him shot for shot as India took complete control of the chase. At the last verified update, India were 108/0 in 5.4 overs, needing 91 runs from 86 balls with all 10 wickets in hand.
New Zealand post 198/3 as Daryl Mitchell finishes 89 not out
India won the toss and elected to field first at Sky Stadium, Wellington, but New Zealand still posted a strong total. Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings with an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls, including 5 fours and 5 sixes, and reached his fifty in just 26 deliveries. Finn Allen gave the hosts a fast start with 40 off 25 balls, all five of his scoring shots over the rope, while Bevon Jacobs finished unbeaten on 39 off 23 balls. Glenn Phillips made 17 and Tim Seifert scored 2.
New Zealand reached 100 in 10 overs, were 146/3 after 15 overs and 174/3 after 18 overs before Mitchell’s late hitting carried them to 198/3 in 20 overs. For India, Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the bowlers with 1/33 in 4 overs, while Axar Patel took 1/36 and Nitish Kumar Reddy 1/38.
| New Zealand innings | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daryl Mitchell (not out) | 89 | 52 | 5 | 5 |
| Finn Allen | 40 | 25 | 0 | 5 |
| Bevon Jacobs (not out) | 39 | 23 | 4 | 1 |
| Glenn Phillips | 17 | 14 | 3 | 0 |
| Tim Seifert | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
Abhishek Sharma 15-ball fifty blows the chase open
The chase began like a highlight reel. Abhishek Sharma reached his fifty in only 15 balls, with India already on 80/0 after just 3.4 overs. Michael Bracewell’s first over went for 21 runs as Abhishek hit two fours and a six and Sooryavanshi added a maximum of his own. India were 64/0 after 3 overs and 74/0 after 3.3 overs before bringing up the team hundred in the fifth over.
At the last verified update, Abhishek was batting on 67 off 20 balls with 7 fours and 6 sixes, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was unbeaten on 34 off 15 balls with 3 fours and 3 sixes. India’s run rate at that stage was above 19 runs per over, leaving a straightforward equation of 91 runs from 86 balls.
Why this start matters for the series
India lead the five-match series 2-0 after winning both matches at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, by 4 wickets, chasing 226 in the first T20I and 181 in the second. A win in Wellington seals the series 3-0 with two matches still to play. New Zealand, who have lost both games so far, needed early wickets in the powerplay to defend 199, and instead watched the game drift away in the first six overs.
The platform set by Abhishek and Sooryavanshi also changes how the rest of the chase is played. With the required rate already below 7 runs per over and all wickets intact, India do not need to take any risks, while New Zealand must find wickets quickly to have any chance of defending their total.
India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I key moments so far
- India win the toss and elect to field first in Wellington.
- Finn Allen hits 40 off 25 balls before falling to Nitish Kumar Reddy.
- Daryl Mitchell scores 89 not out off 52 balls, his fifty coming in 26 balls.
- New Zealand finish on 198/3 in 20 overs.
- Abhishek Sharma reaches fifty in 15 balls as India reach 80/0 in 3.4 overs.
- India bring up 100 in 5 overs and reach 108/0 in 5.4 overs.
What happens next in the Wellington T20I
India need 91 runs from 86 balls with 10 wickets in hand, so the match is firmly in their favour unless New Zealand strike twice in quick succession. The remaining matches of the series will follow after this game, with India aiming for a clean sweep and New Zealand fighting to stay alive in the contest.
What is India’s score in the 3rd T20I against New Zealand?
At the last verified update, India were 108/0 in 5.4 overs while chasing New Zealand’s 198/3 in Wellington.
How fast was Abhishek Sharma’s fifty?
Abhishek Sharma reached his fifty in just 15 balls, one of the fastest fifties in T20I cricket, and was batting on 67 off 20 balls at the last update.
What did New Zealand score in the first innings?
New Zealand scored 198/3 in 20 overs, led by Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 89 off 52 balls.
Can India seal the T20I series today?
Yes. India lead the five-match series 2-0, so a win in this third T20I in Wellington seals the series 3-0.
Alice Mirza
Cricket is Alice Mirza’s passion, and he loves playing, watching, and discussing the game. The Cricket blog is my way of spreading my thoughts about the game. Previously, I ghost-wrote for a few websites. For me, cricket is more than just a game.