NEW DELHI: India produced a ruthless all-round performance to crush New Zealand by eight wickets in the third T20I at Guwahati on Sunday and pocket the five-match series with a 3-0 score.After winning the toss, India opted to field, and their bowlers justified the decision with a disciplined and aggressive display.
Jasprit Bumrah led the attack superbly, finishing with figures of 3 for 17 and setting the tone from the outset. Harshit Rana struck early to remove Devon Conway, while Hardik Pandya kept things tight and picked up two key wickets, including Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell. Spinner Ravi Bishnoi was outstanding in the middle overs, claiming 2 for 18 and breaking a crucial partnership by dismissing Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman.Phillips was New Zealand’s top-scorer with 48, while Chapman contributed 32 and captain Mitchell Santner added a late 27. However, the visitors struggled to build sustained momentum as wickets fell regularly. Despite Santner’s late hitting, New Zealand were restricted to a modest 153 for 9 in their 20 overs.In reply, India made light work of the chase. The hosts suffered an early setback when Sanju Samson was bowled first ball, but that only sparked a fierce counterattack. Ishan Kishan played a brisk knock before falling, setting the platform for Abhishek Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav to take charge.Abhishek was sensational, blasting 68 not out off just 20 balls, while Suryakumar produced a trademark innings of 57 not out from 26 deliveries. The duo punished anything loose, found the boundaries at will, and kept the scoreboard racing. India reached 155 for 2 in just 10 overs, completing one of their most dominant chases in T20I cricket.The comprehensive win sealed the series for India and highlighted their depth, confidence, and firepower as they continued to build momentum at the international stage.