India beat New Zealand by six wickets with 40 balls remaining in the third T20I on Tuesday, October 27, as Abhishek Sharma’s outstanding 113 powered them to an unassailable 3-0 series lead. Chasing 199, India surged to 199/4 in just 13.2 overs, turning a demanding target into their most emphatic victory of the series so far.

Abhishek makes a formidable chase look routine

New Zealand’s 198/3 from 20 overs demanded sustained aggression. Abhishek supplied it in decisive fashion, scoring 113 to take the Player of the Match award and put India beyond reach in the five-match T20I series.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi contributed 45, giving India’s batting effort another substantial attacking contribution, while Sanju Samson added 18. Abhishek and Sooryavanshi accounted for 158 runs between them, overwhelming New Zealand’s efforts to defend a total just short of 200.

Kyle Jamieson claimed two wickets, while Mitchell Santner and Matthew Fisher took one apiece. Those four dismissals could not apply enough pressure to slow India, who completed the pursuit with six overs and four balls unused.

Mitchell’s 89 gives New Zealand a platform

Daryl Mitchell had earlier led New Zealand’s batting with 89, supported by Finn Allen’s 40 and Bevon Jacobs’ 39. Their contributions carried the hosts to 198/3, a total that offered a strong opportunity to keep the series alive.

Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy took one wicket each for India. New Zealand retained seven wickets at the end of their allotted overs, but even that productive batting display was eclipsed by the speed of India’s response.

Key performers

  • Abhishek Sharma: 113 runs and Player of the Match in India’s series-clinching chase.
  • Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: 45 runs for India, with Sanju Samson contributing 18.
  • Daryl Mitchell: New Zealand’s highest scorer with 89, supported by Finn Allen’s 40 and Bevon Jacobs’ 39.
  • Kyle Jamieson: Two wickets for New Zealand; Mitchell Santner and Matthew Fisher took one each.
  • India’s wicket-takers: Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed one wicket apiece.

NerdSports Stat: India finished this chase with 40 balls remaining—37 more than their combined margin of three balls across the first two T20I victories.

India clinch the series with two T20Is remaining

The contrast with the opening two matches was striking. India had won the first T20I by four wickets with two balls remaining, then repeated the four-wicket margin with only one ball to spare in the second. This time, Abhishek’s century removed the late tension entirely.

The result extends India’s lead to 3-0 and decides the five-match T20I series. New Zealand’s next opportunity to respond comes on Friday, October 30, before the final T20I on Sunday, November 1.

The tour then moves into four ODIs on November 3, 6, 9 and 12, followed by two Tests starting on November 18 and 26.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the match between New Zealand and India?

India won the match by six wickets with 40 balls remaining, reaching 199/4 in reply to New Zealand’s 198/3.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match for his 113 runs in India’s successful chase.

What is the series standing after this match?

India lead 3-0 and have clinched the five-match T20I series with two matches remaining.

Who was the top scorer in this match?

Abhishek Sharma top-scored with 113 runs.

When is the next match in the series?

New Zealand face India in the fourth T20I on Friday, October 30, 2026.