India continued their ruthless run against New Zealand by sealing the T20I series 3–0 with a commanding victory in the third match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Once again, it was India’s aggressive batting approach that stood out, as the hosts made light work of the target to underline their growing dominance in the shortest format.
Batting first after losing the toss, New Zealand struggled to gain momentum despite a few individual contributions. Glenn Phillips provided some resistance in the middle order, playing a brisk knock to anchor the innings, but regular wickets prevented the visitors from building any sustained partnerships. India’s bowlers maintained tight lines and varied their pace effectively on a surface that offered true bounce and value for shots. Jasprit Bumrah led the attack with a sharp spell, picking up key wickets and applying pressure during the death overs. Support from the rest of the bowling unit ensured New Zealand were restricted to a total that was competitive on paper but always felt slightly below par.
India’s response with the bat was emphatic and fearless. An early wicket did little to slow down the chase as the Indian batters immediately went on the offensive. The intent was clear from the outset — attack the powerplay, dominate the bowlers, and remove any doubt about the result. The Guwahati crowd was treated to a batting masterclass, with boundaries flowing freely to all parts of the ground.
Abhishek Sharma was the standout performer, producing a breathtaking innings marked by clean hitting and remarkable composure. His ability to pick length early and target both pace and spin put New Zealand’s bowlers under severe pressure. At the other end, captain Suryakumar Yadav played the perfect supporting role, mixing innovative strokeplay with calculated aggression. The duo stitched together an unbeaten partnership that effectively ended the contest well before the halfway mark of the chase.
India reached the target with astonishing ease, finishing the match with several overs to spare and sealing the series in emphatic fashion. The speed of the chase highlighted not just individual brilliance but also the clarity in India’s T20 approach — fearless batting, deep resources, and a willingness to keep the pressure firmly on the opposition.
This victory completed a clean sweep in the three-match series and reinforced India’s status as one of the most dangerous T20 sides in world cricket. Across the series, India outplayed New Zealand in all departments, showing consistency with the ball and overwhelming firepower with the bat. Several players across the squad found form, which will please the team management as preparations continue for major international tournaments ahead.
For New Zealand, the series was a difficult one. While there were moments of promise, particularly from a few middle-order batters, the lack of strong starts and inability to contain India’s explosive batting proved costly. The visitors will take valuable lessons from this tour as they look to regroup and address their shortcomings.
India, meanwhile, will take immense confidence from this dominant display. The Guwahati win was not just another victory — it was a statement. With momentum firmly on their side and a clear brand of cricket on display, India have sent a strong message that they are setting high standards and intend to maintain them as the international season progresses.
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