Sky high in Guwahati: India crushes New Zealand in record fast T20I chase to seal 3-0 sweep

India produced a jaw-dropping display of power and precision to register one of the fastest run chases in T20 International history, chasing down New Zealand’s 154-run target in just 10 overs during the third T20I at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. The emphatic eight-wicket victory handed the Men in Blue an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

The chase stood out not just for the margin of victory, but for the sheer speed at which it was achieved. India’s effort now stands as the second-fastest successful chase of 150 or more runs in T20I cricket , bettered only by Australia’s nine-and-a-half-over chase against Scotland in 2024. With 60 balls remaining , it also became India’s most dominant home win in terms of balls to spare in a 20-over match.

At the heart of the demolition was Abhishek Sharma , who unleashed a breathtaking assault on the New Zealand bowling attack. The left-hander smashed an unbeaten 68 off just 20 balls , reaching his half-century in a mere 14 deliveries , the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is. His innings was a fearless blend of timing and brute force, instantly tilting the contest in India’s favour.

Providing the perfect foil was captain Suryakumar Yadav , who continued his stellar run in the shortest format with a fluent 57 not out off 26 balls . The duo stitched together an unbeaten 102-run partnership for the third wicket , ensuring there were no late twists and underlining India’s growing batting depth in T20 cricket.

Earlier, India’s bowlers had laid the foundation with a disciplined effort to restrict New Zealand to 153 for 9 . Despite brief resistance from the visitors, timely breakthroughs and controlled spells ensured the total remained within reach, though few would have predicted how quickly it would be chased down.

The victory also carried added significance, coming on the back of another record-breaking effort in the previous match, where India had chased down a 200-plus target against the same opponents in record time. Together, the performances have highlighted India’s aggressive new-age approach to T20 cricket.

With the series already sealed and confidence soaring, India will now look to maintain momentum in the remaining matches, while New Zealand will be left searching for answers after a night where records fell and the contest slipped away in a blur.