Abhishek Sharma hits 35-ball century as India beat New Zealand to lead T20 series 3-0

WELLINGTON: India showed aggressive batting in T20 Cricket, chasing down New Zealand’s target of 199 in just 13.2 overs to take a decisive lead in the series.

In the chase, Abhishek Sharma completed his half-century in only 15 balls. He went on to score his fourth T20 international century off 35 balls.

New Zealand’s bowlers had no answer to his attacking batting. Abhishek put on 133 runs in just 7.1 overs with young opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

The Indian openers made 118 without loss in the powerplay, setting a new record in T20 internationals. It is the highest score without loss in the powerplay of any T20 international. Earlier, Romania had made 116 against Serbia in 5.4 overs.

India reached the target of 199 in 13.2 overs for the loss of 4 wickets. Earlier, New Zealand, batting first, had made 198 in the full 20 overs, thanks to unbeaten innings of 89 by Daryl Mitchell and 39 by Bevon Jacobs. Finn Allen stood out with 40 runs.

With this win, India took an unbeaten 3-0 lead in the five-match series with two matches remaining.