India sealed the five-match T20I series in style at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, beating New Zealand by six wickets with 40 balls to spare. Chasing 199, India reached 199 for four in only 13.2 overs, turning a challenging target into a one-sided finish. Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match.
India won the toss and chose to bowl first. The build-up had framed Wellington as a decisive night, and the match preview
It explains how India arrived with a 2-0 lead. New Zealand still reached a strong total, but the chase changed the match completely.
New Zealand innings
New Zealand finished on 198 for three in their 20 overs after being put in to bat. Daryl Mitchell led the way with 89 not out off 52 balls, holding the innings together. Finn Allen made 40 and Devon Conway made 39, giving the hosts a platform and a total that, on most nights, would have been competitive. Mitchell’s unbeaten innings gave New Zealand momentum at the end.
India innings
Abhishek Sharma produced one of the most destructive innings of the series, scoring 113 off only 38 balls. His innings included nine fours and 11 sixes, and he reached his hundred off only 35 balls. That pace set the tone for a chase that never allowed New Zealand to settle.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gave Abhishek strong support with 45 off 19 balls. Together, the openers put on 133 in 7.1 overs, and India reached a record powerplay score of 118/0. Kyle Jamieson took two for 45 and Mitchell Santner took one for 17, but no bowler could slow the chase for long. India finished the job in 13.2 overs, with six wickets still in hand.
Key performances
The match was decided by two contrasting efforts. Mitchell’s 89 not out kept New Zealand in the game, while Abhishek’s 113 took it away. Sooryavanshi’s 45 off 19 added speed at the top, and the opening stand of 133 in 7.1 overs left New Zealand with no margin for error.
| Team | Score |
| New Zealand | 198/3 in 20 overs |
| India | 199/4 in 13.2 overs |
| Player of the Match | Abhishek Sharma, 113 off 38 |
What it means for the series
India arrived in Wellington with a 2-0 lead, and this win moved them to 3-0 with two matches remaining. That means the series is sealed before the fourth match in Auckland on Friday. The earlier results are covered in the 2nd T20I recap.
FAQs
Who won the 3rd T20I? India won by six wickets with 40 balls remaining.
How many runs did Abhishek Sharma score? He scored 113 off 38 balls, with nine fours and 11 sixes.
What were the opening records? The openers put on 133 in 7.1 overs, and India reached a record powerplay score of 118/0.
What is the series score and what is next? India lead 3-0, the series is sealed, and the 4th T20I is in Auckland on Friday.
The margin also underlined how quickly a match can change in this format. New Zealand posted a total that looked strong on paper, with Mitchell unbeaten on 89 and useful support from Allen and Conway. Yet once Abhishek found his range, the required rate fell away and the pressure moved entirely to the fielding side. Sooryavanshi kept that pressure on, and the record powerplay meant New Zealand needed early wickets that never arrived in time. Even Jamieson and Santner, who took wickets, could not change the direction of the chase.
Conclusion
In the end, Wellington produced a statement win. India chased 199 with 40 balls to spare, Abhishek Sharma’s 113 set the tone, and the series is now sealed at 3-0. For full match details, see the ESPNcricinfo match report.
