India seal series against New Zealand in Guwahati as Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav chase down 154 in 10 overs
India clinched the five-match T20I series against New Zealand in Guwahati, riding a brisk chase led by Abhishek Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav. After restricting the visitors to 153/9, India completed the target in just 10 overs, taking an unassailable lead in the series.
India wrapped up a decisive series result against New Zealand in Guwahati, producing a clinical performance that combined disciplined bowling with an explosive chase. The match, played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, saw India restrict New Zealand to 153/9 before racing to the target in only 10 overs.
Abhishek Sharma powered the chase with a blistering unbeaten 68 off just 20 balls, while captain Suryakumar Yadav stayed not out on 57 from 26 deliveries. Together, they ensured the contest turned into a sprint, collapsing what looked like a regular T20 chase into the pace of a T10.
The chase began with early drama as Sanju Samson departed for a golden duck, but the response was immediate and brutal. India’s run rate surged, with boundaries flowing through the powerplay and beyond as the hosts maintained relentless pressure on the New Zealand attack.
Before the fireworks with the bat, India’s bowlers laid the foundation by keeping New Zealand’s innings under control. Jasprit Bumrah returned to take 3/17, and Ravi Bishnoi made an impact with 2/18 in a line-up tweak that worked in India’s favour.
New Zealand struggled to build sustained momentum despite a partnership that briefly steadied their innings. Regular wickets and sharp fielding ensured the visitors finished below what the surface seemed to offer, especially given the ease with which India later scored.
With the win, India sealed the five-match series by moving to an unassailable lead. The Guwahati result also underlined India’s depth in T20 batting, where a fast start can quickly convert a chase into a statement, not just a victory.