Source espn cricinfo
HAMILTON – In a display of pure batting carnage, Abhishek Sharma etched his name into the record books today, smashing a 14-ball half-century to guide India to a dominant victory over New Zealand. The whirlwind innings didn’t just win the match; it secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series, leaving the Black Caps searching for answers.
The Record-Breaking Onslaught
Chasing a competitive target, India needed a spark at the top of the order. Abhishek provided a wildfire. From the moment he took guard, the young opener dismantled the New Zealand pace attack with surgical precision and raw power.
The Milestones: Abhishek reached his 50 in just 14 deliveries, equaling the record for one of the fastest fifties in international cricket history.
The Damage: His innings included seven towering sixes and two boundaries, effectively ending the contest within the powerplay.
The Atmosphere: The Seddon Park crowd was left stunned as the ball repeatedly cleared the ropes, forcing New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner to cycle through four bowlers in just three overs.
New Zealand Outclassed
Earlier in the day, New Zealand posted what looked to be a fighting total, anchored by a steady half-century from Glenn Phillips. However, the Indian bowling unit, led by a disciplined spell from Arshdeep Singh, kept the hosts from reaching the 200-mark.
The Kiwis’ defense crumbled almost immediately under the pressure of Abhishek’s strike rate. By the time the opener departed, the required run rate had plummeted, allowing the middle order to cruise to the finish line with overs to spare.
Series Summary (India 3 – 0 NZ)
Match Result Key Performer
1st T20I India won by 6 wickets Suryakumar Yadav
2nd T20I India won by 45 runs Jasprit Bumrah
3rd T20I India won by 7 wickets Abhishek Sharma
“I wasn’t thinking about the record,” Abhishek said during the post-match presentation. “The ball was coming on nicely, and I just wanted to capitalize on the field restrictions. It’s a great feeling to win the series here in New Zealand.”
With the series now decided, India may look to test their bench strength in the final two dead-rubber matches, while New Zealand faces the daunting task of playing for pride to avoid a 5-0 whitewash.
