India’s 10-Over Carnage: How Abhishek Sharma & SKY Obliterated New Zealand in Record T20I Chase

3rd T20I: India demolish New Zealand, chase down 154 in 10 overs to pocket series

India’s 10-Over Masterclass: A New Benchmark in T20 Cricket

The world of cricket witnessed something truly extraordinary on January 25, 2026, at Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium. In a match that will be etched in the annals of the sport, the India vs New Zealand T20I wasn’t just a game; it was a statement of intent from a new generation of Indian batters. Chasing a competitive 154, India didn’t just win—they annihilated the target in a mind-boggling 10 overs, securing a 3-0 series whitewash in the most emphatic fashion possible.

Table of Contents

The Record-Shattering Chase

Forget everything you thought you knew about run chases in T20 cricket. India’s pursuit of 154 against New Zealand wasn’t just fast; it was a complete demolition. Finishing at 155/2 in exactly 10 overs, this stands as the fastest successful chase of a 150+ target by any full-member nation in T20 International history . They had a staggering 60 balls to spare, a statistic that underscores the sheer dominance of their batting performance. This wasn’t just a win; it was a clinical execution that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world and served as a powerful warning to all contenders for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Abhishek Sharma and SKY: A Dual Strike Force

The architects of this historic victory were two men who have redefined aggressive batting: Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav (SKY). Their partnership was a masterclass in controlled chaos.

Abhishek Sharma’s Blistering 68*

Opener Abhishek Sharma was nothing short of sensational. His unbeaten 68 came off a mere 20 deliveries, a knock laced with seven boundaries and five maximums . This innings wasn’t just about brute force; it was calculated aggression at its finest. He reached his half-century in just 17 balls, showcasing a strike rate that defies conventional logic. For context, Sharma now sits at an astonishing career T20I strike rate of over 190 , making him one of the most dangerous openers on the planet. His ability to take the game away from the opposition in the very first over is a unique asset for Team India.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Trademark 57*

At the other end, Suryakumar Yadav provided the perfect foil with his trademark 360-degree strokeplay. His unbeaten 57 off 26 balls was a clinic in finding gaps and inventing shots that leave fielders and bowlers bewildered . While Abhishek provided the initial explosion, SKY ensured there was no let-up in the scoring rate, rotating the strike and punishing anything even remotely loose. Together, they put on an unbroken 137-run stand that was as brutal as it was efficient, leaving the New Zealand bowlers with no answers.

Bumrah’s Foundations: The Bowling Backbone

While the batting stole the headlines, the foundation for this victory was laid by a disciplined and lethal Indian bowling attack. After winning the toss and electing to field, India immediately put New Zealand on the back foot.

Jasprit Bumrah was the chief destroyer, returning with magnificent figures of 3 for 17 in his four overs, which included a staggering 11 dot balls . His ability to swing the new ball and nail yorkers at the death strangled the Kiwi innings. He was brilliantly supported by leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi (2/18) and the pace duo of Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana, who chipped in with crucial wickets . Their collective effort restricted New Zealand to 153/9, a total that looked competitive on paper but was utterly inadequate against the Indian batting juggernaut.

What This Means for India’s World Cup 2026 Hopes

This comprehensive 3-0 whitewash is more than just a series win; it’s a massive confidence booster for India heading into the T20 World Cup later this year. It demonstrates a perfect blend of a world-class bowling attack led by Bumrah and a batting lineup capable of explosive, match-winning performances from multiple positions. The form of Abhishek Sharma at the top and Suryakumar Yadav at No. 3 provides India with a formidable opening combination that can dismantle any bowling unit on its day. This performance signals that India is not just a contender but a serious favorite for the title. For more on India’s path to the World Cup, check out our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:t20-world-cup-2026-contenders].

Conclusion: A New Era of Indian Cricket

The 3rd T20I against New Zealand was a watershed moment. It showcased a fearless, aggressive brand of cricket that is both thrilling to watch and brutally effective. The combination of Bumrah’s precision with the ball and the raw power of Sharma and Yadav with the bat paints a picture of a team firing on all cylinders. As we look ahead to the global tournament, this performance in Guwahati will be remembered as the day India announced its arrival as the team to beat in the shortest format of the game.

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