India produced a remarkable batting performance to beat New Zealand by six wickets in the third T20I of the India tour of New Zealand 2026. The match was played on 27 October at Hnry Stadium in Wellington, where the Indian batters turned a challenging target into a one-sided run chase.
New Zealand scored 198/3 in 20 overs after being asked to bat first. India responded with 199/4 in only 13.2 overs, winning with 40 balls remaining. Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match for his outstanding century.
India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I Match Details
- Match: New Zealand vs India, 3rd T20I
- Date: 27 October 2026
- Tournament: India Tour of New Zealand 2026
- Format: Twenty20 International
- Venue: Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
- Toss: India won and elected to field
- New Zealand score: 198/3 in 20 overs
- India score: 199/4 in 13.2 overs
- Result: India won by 6 wickets
- Player of the Match: Abhishek Sharma
- Series status: India took a 3–0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
New Zealand Innings: 198/3 in 20 Overs
New Zealand made a strong start with the bat and finished with a competitive total of 198 runs for three wickets. Finn Allen scored 40 runs from 25 balls, while Daryl Mitchell remained unbeaten on 89 from 52 deliveries.
Mitchell’s innings included five fours and five sixes. Bevon Jacobs also contributed an unbeaten 39 from 23 balls, helping New Zealand accelerate during the final overs.
Glenn Phillips added 17 runs before being dismissed by Axar Patel. India’s bowlers managed three wickets, but New Zealand maintained a strong scoring rate to finish close to the 200-run mark.
New Zealand batting scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Seifert | 2 | 6 |
| Finn Allen | 40 | 25 |
| Daryl Mitchell | 89* | 52 |
| Glenn Phillips | 17 | 14 |
| Bevon Jacobs | 39* | 23 |
| Extras | 11 | — |
| Total | 198/3 | 20 overs |
Note: The asterisk indicates a batter remained not out.
India Innings: Abhishek Sharma Leads a Historic Chase
India’s response was dominated by an extraordinary opening partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The pair attacked New Zealand’s bowlers from the beginning and scored 118 runs during the first six overs, setting a new record for the highest powerplay total in men’s T20 internationals.
Sooryavanshi scored 45 runs from just 19 balls, hitting four fours and four sixes. His aggressive batting gave India the perfect platform for the chase.
Abhishek Sharma then delivered a sensational innings, scoring 113 runs from 38 balls. His knock included nine fours and 11 sixes, at a strike rate of 297.37. He reached his century in only 35 balls, producing one of the most explosive innings of the match.
India lost four wickets but continued to score rapidly. The team reached 199/4 in 13.2 overs to seal the victory comfortably.
India batting scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | 45 | 19 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 113 | 38 |
| Sanju Samson | 18 | 13 |
| Shreyas Iyer | 5 | 10 |
| Tilak Varma | 1* | 1 |
| Naman Dhir | 4* | 1 |
| Extras | 13 | — |
| Total | 199/4 | 13.2 overs |
Abhishek Sharma Named Player of the Match
Abhishek Sharma was the standout performer in Wellington. His 113-run innings featured 11 sixes and nine fours, putting New Zealand’s bowling attack under constant pressure.
He reached his fourth T20I century and scored at an exceptional rate throughout his innings. His partnership with Sooryavanshi gave India a strong start and made the required run rate increasingly manageable.
Abhishek’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award and played a decisive role in India’s victory.
India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I: Key Highlights
- India defeated New Zealand by six wickets.
- New Zealand posted 198/3 in 20 overs.
- India chased 199 runs in 13.2 overs.
- Abhishek Sharma scored 113 from 38 balls.
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi contributed 45 from 19 deliveries.
- India scored a record 118 runs in the first six overs.
- Daryl Mitchell top-scored for New Zealand with an unbeaten 89.
- India took an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
India vs New Zealand T20I Series 2026
The victory gave India a 3–0 lead in the five-match series, confirming that New Zealand could no longer win the series outright. Two matches remained after the Wellington contest.
India’s batting performance demonstrated the team’s aggressive approach in the shortest international format. New Zealand, meanwhile, will look to strengthen its bowling performance and compete in the remaining fixtures.
FAQs
1. Who won the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I match in 2026?
India won the third T20I against New Zealand by 6 wickets on 27 October 2026 at Hnry Stadium in Wellington.
2. What was the score of India vs New Zealand in the 3rd T20I?
New Zealand scored 198/3 in 20 overs, while India scored 199/4 in 13.2 overs to win the match.
3. Who was the Player of the Match in India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I?
Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match for his outstanding innings of 113 runs from just 38 balls.
4. How many runs did Abhishek Sharma score against New Zealand?
Abhishek Sharma scored 113 runs off 38 balls, including 9 fours and 11 sixes.
5. How many runs did Daryl Mitchell score in the 3rd T20I?
Daryl Mitchell scored an unbeaten 89 runs from 52 balls for New Zealand.
6. How many runs did Vaibhav Sooryavanshi score?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 45 runs from 19 balls, helping India make a rapid start to the chase.
7. Where was the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I played?
The match was played at Hnry Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand.
8. When was the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I played?
The third T20 International was played on 27 October 2026.
9. How many overs did India take to chase the target?
India chased the target of 199 runs in 13.2 overs, with 40 balls remaining.
10. What was India’s powerplay score against New Zealand?
India scored 118 runs without losing a wicket in the first six overs, setting a record for the highest powerplay total in men’s T20 internationals.
11. What was the T20I series score after the third match?
India took a 3–0 lead in the five-match T20I series after winning the third match.
12. What target did New Zealand set for India?
New Zealand set a target of 199 runs after finishing its innings at 198/3 in 20 overs.
13. What was the main highlight of the India vs New Zealand match?
The main highlight was Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 113-run innings, supported by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s quick 45 runs, which helped India complete a comfortable chase.
14. Where can fans find the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I scorecard?
Fans can find the scorecard and match updates on the official BCCI website, the ICC website, ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz.
15. What is the focus keyword for the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I article?
The recommended focus keyword is “India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026”. Related keywords include “IND vs NZ 3rd T20I scorecard”, “Abhishek Sharma 113” and “India vs New Zealand match highlights 2026”.
Conclusion
The India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I match on 27 October 2026 delivered an outstanding display of attacking cricket. New Zealand scored 198/3, but India responded with 199/4 in only 13.2 overs to win by six wickets.
Abhishek Sharma’s 113 off 38 balls and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s rapid 45-run contribution were central to India’s successful chase. With a 3–0 series lead, India secured the series and continued its strong T20I campaign in New Zealand.
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