India seal T20I series against New Zealand in Guwahati as Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav blitz chase
India clinched an unassailable lead in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand with a dominant win in Guwahati. After restricting New Zealand to 153/9, Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav powered a rapid chase completed in just 10 overs.
A chase that turned into a sprint
India sealed the T20I series against New Zealand in Guwahati on 26 January 2026 by taking an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match contest. The match, played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, showcased India’s control in both innings: disciplined bowling first, followed by a blistering chase that effectively reduced the contest to a 10-over pursuit.
New Zealand were restricted to 153/9, a total described as below-par given the batting-friendly look of the surface. India’s bowlers executed plans that combined early pressure with sharp fielding, limiting boundary flow and preventing the visitors from building the kind of late surge that often decides T20 matches.
Sharma and Suryakumar shut the door early
In response, Abhishek Sharma produced an extraordinary unbeaten 68 off 20 balls, while captain Suryakumar Yadav remained not out on 57 off 26 deliveries. India chased the target in just 10 overs, losing only two wickets, underlining the depth of intent and the advantage gained by early dominance.
The chase began with immediate drama as Sanju Samson fell for a golden duck on the first ball, but the setback did not slow India’s tempo. Once Sharma found his range, the required rate became irrelevant, and New Zealand’s bowlers were left with little margin to recover.
Series momentum and what it signals
With the series effectively wrapped up, India’s focus is likely to shift towards refining combinations and roles across the remaining matches. Performances such as Sharma’s, which paired extreme hitting with control, also strengthen India’s options at the top order, particularly in matches where powerplay acceleration defines outcomes.
For New Zealand, the loss highlighted a familiar challenge on Indian pitches in T20s: containing hitters once they settle, especially when the chase is short and the batting side can treat each over as a mini powerplay.
- Match date: 26 January 2026, Guwahati (Barsapara Cricket Stadium)
- New Zealand: 153/9
- India chase: completed in 10 overs with two wickets down
- Key innings: Abhishek Sharma 68* (20), Suryakumar Yadav 57* (26)