Abhishek Sharma Blasts Second-Fastest Fifty by an Indian as India Crush New Zealand in T20I Series

India's preparations for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 received a massive boost as the hosts demolished New Zealand by eight wickets in the third T20I at Guwahati on Sunday. The victory gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, continuing their remarkable unbeaten run in T20I series since lifting the trophy in Barbados in 2024.

Abhishek Sharma's Blistering Knock Steals the Show

The 25-year-old opener Abhishek Sharma delivered a performance that will be etched in Indian cricket history. His unbeaten 68 off just 20 deliveries was nothing short of sensational, featuring seven boundaries and five towering sixes.

The highlight of his innings was reaching his half-century in a mere 14 balls – the second-fastest fifty by an Indian batter in T20I cricket. Only the legendary Yuvraj Singh, who famously hit six sixes in an over during the 2007 T20 World Cup, has reached the milestone faster for India.

In a poetic twist, Yuvraj Singh was Abhishek's mentor during the early phase of his career, and the young left-hander seems to have absorbed every lesson from the master of power-hitting.

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Suryakumar Yadav Returns to Form in Style

Captain Suryakumar Yadav complemented Abhishek's fireworks with an equally impressive 57 off just 26 balls. This marked Suryakumar's second successive half-century in the series, signaling his return to peak form at the most opportune time.

The duo's partnership was devastating as India chased down New Zealand's target of 153 in just 10 overs – the second-fastest chase of a 150+ score in T20I cricket history.

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Jasprit Bumrah Leads Bowling Attack with Three-Wicket Haul

India's bowling unit set the platform for the record-breaking chase with a disciplined display. Jasprit Bumrah, one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket, looked close to his devastating best as he claimed three wickets.

Bumrah's spell was instrumental in restricting New Zealand to 153/9 in their 20 overs, ensuring the hosts had a manageable target to chase.

India's World Cup Defense on Track

India's dominant form in T20I cricket since their World Cup triumph in 2024 continues to send a strong message to their rivals. The defending champions have not lost a single T20I series since that historic night in Barbados.

As co-hosts of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, India will look to become the first team ever to successfully defend their T20 World Cup crown.

Road to T20 World Cup 2026

India have been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Namibia, and Netherlands. The hosts will kick off their title defense against USA in Mumbai on February 7, and based on current form, they will enter the tournament as overwhelming favorites.

With Abhishek Sharma in blistering touch, Suryakumar Yadav finding his rhythm, and Jasprit Bumrah operating at peak efficiency, India possess the firepower to create history once again.

Looking Ahead

With two matches remaining in the New Zealand series, India will look to maintain their momentum and fine-tune their combinations ahead of the mega event. The performances of Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav have provided the team management with reliable options at the top of the order, while Bumrah's form ensures the bowling attack remains potent.

The cricketing world will be watching closely as India aim to etch their names in history as the first team to win back-to-back T20 World Cup titles.