On January 25, 2026, the Indian cricket team authored a “soul-shattering” victory over New Zealand in the 3rd T20I at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, sealing the five-match series with an unassailable 3-0 lead. The match was defined by a ruthless display of power-hitting from Abhishek Sharma, who transformed what was expected to be a competitive chase into a 10-over demolition. The victory marked India’s ninth consecutive T20 series win, establishing them as overwhelming favorites for the T20 World Cup set to begin in February.
The “Bs” Sting the Kiwis
The headline “After the Bs sting Kiwis” refers to the clinical bowling performance of Bumrah, Bishnoi, and Bhuvi (though the “Bs” primarily emphasized Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi in this specific outing). After India won the toss and elected to bowl, Jasprit Bumrah—returning to the side after being rested—showed no signs of rust, dismantling the New Zealand lineup with figures of 3/17. He was ably supported by leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who, playing his first international match in nearly a year, strangled the middle order with 2/18. Together with a disciplined spell from Hardik Pandya, the Indian bowlers restricted the Kiwis to a sub-par 153/9, a total New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner later admitted was at least 30 runs short on a true Guwahati surface.
Abhishek’s Records and “Yuvraj-esque” Carnage
The chase began with a momentary shock as Sanju Samson fell for a golden duck to Matt Henry on the very first ball. However, any hopes of a New Zealand comeback were instantly incinerated by Abhishek Sharma. Channeling his mentor Yuvraj Singh, Abhishek unleashed a barrage of sixes and fours, reaching his half-century in just 14 balls—the second-fastest by an Indian in T20I history. His unbeaten 68 off 20 deliveries included 7 fours and 5 sixes, characterized by audacious “sliced” shots and clean hits down the ground that left the Kiwi pacers shell-shocked.
SKY and the 10-Over Finish
Abhishek found a perfect partner in captain Suryakumar Yadav (SKY), who continued his “purple patch” with a blistering 57 off 26 balls*. The duo shared an unbeaten 102-run partnership off just 40 deliveries, scoring at a staggering rate of over 15 runs per over. India crossed the 100-run mark in just 6.3 overs—the second-highest powerplay score in their history—and wrapped up the 154-run target exactly at the 10-over mark. This “masterclass” finish meant India won with 60 balls to spare, a margin of victory that emphasized the massive gulf in T20 execution between the two sides as they head toward the World Cup.
About the Author
