India clinch series win vs New Zealand in Guwahati as Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav power chase
India sealed a series victory against New Zealand in Guwahati after restricting the visitors to 153/9 and then chasing the target in just 10 overs. Abhishek Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav produced a blistering unbeaten partnership, turning the chase into a sprint and underlining India’s dominance in the five-match T20I contest.
India wrap up the series in Guwahati
India sealed the five-match T20I series against New Zealand in Guwahati on January 26, 2026, taking an unassailable 3-0 lead. After two high-scoring wins earlier in the series, the Guwahati match followed a different script, built first on disciplined bowling and then an explosive chase.
India’s bowlers restricted New Zealand to 153/9, a total described as below par in the context of the surface and the series trend. The hosts then chased the target in just 10 overs, losing only two wickets, effectively compressing a T20 run chase into a T10-style finish.
Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav deliver a brutal finish
Abhishek Sharma smashed an unbeaten 68 off 20 balls, while captain Suryakumar Yadav remained not out on 57 off 26 balls. Their strike rates ensured New Zealand had no room to regroup after early breakthroughs, and the chase stayed ahead of the required rate from the opening overs.
Sharma’s knock also pushed him into the record books, with the report noting he registered the second-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian. The innings was positioned as a continuation of his aggressive run in the series, following earlier match-winning contributions.
Bowlers set the platform
India’s bowling plan was credited for keeping New Zealand under constant pressure. Jasprit Bumrah returned after a one-match break to take 3/17, while wristspinner Ravi Bishnoi made an impact with 2/18 after being brought in as a surprise selection change.
With the series effectively decided, India now have a chance to test bench strength and combinations, while New Zealand will look to salvage pride and build momentum by tightening execution in both phases of the game.