'Playing at different level': All-round India demolish New Zealand in 3rd T20I to seal series

Abhishek Sharma slammed the second fastest T20I fifty by an Indian and Suryakumar Yadav too chipped in with an unbeaten half-century to help India chase down 154 in only 10 overs to win the third T20I against New Zealand at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, January 25.

Before the batters made mockery of the small chase, Indian bowlers led by Jasprit Bumrah (3/17) stopped New Zealand to just 153/9 in 20 overs to set up the win. With this win, India further underlined their credentials as the favourites for the T20 World Cup that starts in less than two weeks’ time.

Abhishek unleashes carnage

Abhishek once again led India’s charge even though Matt Henry cleaned up his partner Sanju Samson on the very first ball of the chase. Ishan Kishan hit a few blows before he also fell in the fourth over.

None of this had any effect on Abhishek as he kept smashing boundaries for fun. He faced 20 balls and none of them was a dot. He launched five sixes and seven fours to finish unbeaten at 68. His blitzkrieg also helped India plunder 94 runs in the powerplay, the second highest for the Men In Blue ever. His 14-ball fifty in this game is now only behind Yuvraj Singh’s 12 in the list of fastest T20I half-century by Indians.

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Suryakumar Yadav too carried on his rejuvenated form, smashing 57 not out from just 26 deliveries. All Kiwi bowlers spent at least 14 runs per over.

Bumrah, Bishnoi shine with ball

Earlier, India had brought back Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi in the side and given rest to Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy.

Both the returnees had fantastic games and played big role in restricting the BlackCaps to a small total. Bumrah took three wickets for 17 runs in his four overs while Bishnoi got the wickets of two batters for 18 runs in his four overs. Hardik Pandya also struck twice and New Zealand could not find big partnerships.

Glenn Phillips was once again the top scorer for the Kiwis with 48 but he took 40 deliveries for his innings.

The win helped India tie Pakistan’s record of 11 straight T20I series wins. With 60 balls still remaining in the contest, this became the quickest ever 150-plus chase against a full-member ICC nation.

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If teams don’t prepare differently against this Indian batting line up, its good night 😴 #INDvsNZ

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 25, 2026

So glad to see India play T20Is like this. Playing at a different level! No masti hopefully from Destiny.

Tells us, at times you need a title to free you up completely!

Hopefully they will be rewarded for their processes by the game!

Chak De! 🇮🇳#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/cKUViUFtIF

— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) January 25, 2026

India are on a T10 mode
Winning with most balls to spare chasing 150+ v Full Member teams
60 balls- Ind v NZ, Guwahati 2026*
37 balls- Ned v Ire, Sylhet 2014
37 balls- WI v SA, Kingston 2024
33 balls- Eng v Pak Lahore 2022
32 balls- SA v Eng Johannesburg 2016.

— Sanmay Ravi (@RaviSanmay) January 25, 2026

This Indian T20 side is an absolute juggernaut. Their skill and cricketing brains make even elite teams look like minnows. Opponents can’t compete, they can only pray for an Indian bad day. It’s India’s World Cup to lose, everyone else is just playing for second place.#INDvNZ

— Asadullah Mirani (@AsadullahMirani) January 25, 2026

More to follow…