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IND vs NZ 3rd T20I: Opener Abhishek Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav's explosive batting propelled India to a commanding 8-wicket win in the third T20I of the five-match series at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday.
With the win in the third match in 10 overs, India take 3-0 unassailable lead over New Zealand in the T20I series.
Chasing a modest 154, India rode the contest into a one-sided display of power-hitting with Abhishek returning unbeaten on a blistering 68 off 20 balls (7x4, 5x6) and Suryakumar smashing an equally fluent 57 not out off 26 deliveries (6x4, 3x6).
The duo sewed together an unbeaten 102-run partnership for the third wicket in just 40 balls to finish the game with 60 deliveries left.
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Abhishek's aggression was especially surprising as the left-hander raced to a 12-ball fifty -- the second fastest by an Indian in T20Is. India had an early hiccup as Sanju Samson was dismissed for a golden duck, falling prey to Matt Henry's first delivery, crashing into the off-stump.
Ishan Kishan thwarted Henry for two sixes and a four in a single over, showcasing his arbitrary pull and lofted drives.
India's powerplay score surged to 94/2 -- their second-best ever. Ishan fell for a brisk 28 off 13 balls. Suryakumar came out to bat and pierced gaps at will, improvising with his trademark scoops.
The pair teased with the field and bowlers alike, wrapping up the chase in ruthless fashion.
Earlier, spinner Ravi Bishnoi marked his comeback with a fantastic spell alongside the experienced duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya as India choked New Zealand with disciplined bowling to restrict them to an under-par 153/9.