Abhishek’s 35-ball hundred lights up India’s win over New Zealand.
India’s third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington turned into a night of breathtaking hitting. New Zealand had set India 199 to win after posting 198 for three, led by Daryl Mitchell’s 89 and Bevon Jacobs’ 39. It was a challenging target, but India’s reply quickly became a show of its own.
Abhishek Sharma came out swinging from the first over. He reached his half-century in just 15 balls, and the opening stand raced to 50 in 15 deliveries. India then smashed 118 without losing a wicket in the PowerPlay, setting a new record for a Full Member side in men’s T20 internationals. The target was still substantial, but that start changed the feel of the chase completely.
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Abhishek kept finding the boundary, clearing it again and again without allowing the New Zealand bowlers room to settle. He brought up his hundred from only 35 balls and finished with a remarkable 113 off 38, including nine fours and 11 sixes. It was his fourth T20I century — a milestone reached in a style that felt almost unreal, but was built on sharp timing and fearless intent.
Abhishek Sharma with a 3️⃣5️⃣ -ball !
One of the most incredible knocks to bring up his 4️⃣th T20I ton!
#TeamIndia | #NZvIND https://t.co/cD9nOVnOyS
— Neo Prime Sports (@Neoprimesports) October 27, 2026
New Zealand had put together a strong total, with Mitchell anchoring the innings and Jacobs helping keep the scoring rate high. But India’s explosive start meant the bowlers were under pressure almost immediately. Every over brought another boundary, and the required rate stopped looking like a threat. The hosts had few chances to slow the game down once Abhishek found his rhythm.
India completed the chase and secured the win, with Abhishek’s innings at the heart of it. This was more than a quick century: it was a record-breaking PowerPlay, a huge target made to look manageable, and a reminder of how quickly one batter can change a T20 match. Wellington got a front-row seat to one of the most explosive knocks of the series.
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