Abhishek’s 14-ball Fifty Seals New Zealand vs India Series for India
Introduction: Why the New Zealand vs India T20s Matter
The New Zealand vs India T20 series carries weight for both sides as a test of depth and adaptability in the shortest format. The third T20I in Guwahati proved especially important: a series-clinching win would give India momentum after losing the preceding one-day international series to the Black Caps, while New Zealand sought to halt a worrying run. The match delivered a dramatic, fast-paced outcome that underlines the growing importance of explosive batting and incisive bowling in modern T20 cricket.
Main body
Match summary
After being put into bat, New Zealand were restricted to 153 for 9 off their 20 overs. Glenn Phillips top-scored for the visitors with 48 off 40 balls as the home side’s bowlers maintained control at key moments. India’s reply was sensationally short: opener Abhishek Sharma produced a blistering 14-ball half-century that set the tone, and India chased down the target comfortably to win by eight wickets, sealing the five-match series with an unassailable 3-0 lead.
Key moments and performances
India’s victory combined inspired bowling with explosive batting. Jasprit Bumrah played a crucial role with the ball, returning figures of 3-17 to help restrict New Zealand to a chaseable total. New Zealand struck early in India’s reply when Sanju Samson was bowled for a duck by Matt Henry with the first ball of the innings, but Abhishek Sharma’s rapid onslaught erased early concerns. Abhishek passed 50 with a six off the final ball of the powerplay and continued to dominate, while the rest of the batting line-up ensured there was no late resurgence from the Black Caps.
New Zealand playing XI
The Black Caps selected: Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (w), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy. India’s plans included naming Harshit Rana to open the bowling.
Conclusion: Significance and outlook
India’s emphatic eight-wicket win in Guwahati not only clinched the series but sent a clear message about their T20 firepower — especially the ability of young hitters like Abhishek Sharma to change matches in a handful of deliveries. For New Zealand, the match highlighted where improvements are needed, notably containing early aggression and capitalising on momentum. With two matches remaining, India can now experiment and consolidate combinations, while New Zealand will look to regroup and respond in the final fixtures of the series.
