Overview:
New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to contain the Indian onslaught, and the hosts comfortably chased down the target.
India defeated New Zealand by 8 wickets in the third T20I of the five-match series on January 25 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. Chasing a target of 154 runs, the Men in Blue completed the chase in just 10 overs. Abhishek Sharma was the star of the chase, smashing 68 runs off 20 balls, including 7 fours and 5 sixes. Ishan Kishan also contributed with a quick-fire 28 runs off 13 balls. Suryakumar Yadav finished unbeaten with 57 runs off 26 balls, including 6 fours and 3 sixes. Despite a duck from Sanju Samson, India’s top order took full control, and the target was easily chased. On the bowling side, New Zealand’s Matt Henry and Ish Sodhi took a wicket each, but their efforts were not enough to stop India’s dominating performance.
Earlier, New Zealand posted a total of 153/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Glenn Phillips top-scored with 48 runs off 40 balls, including 6 fours and 1 six. Mark Chapman contributed with 32 runs off 23 balls, while Mitchell Santner made a valuable 27 off 17 balls, striking 3 fours and 1 six. Despite these contributions, the rest of the New Zealand batters failed to make a significant impact. India’s bowlers were on top, with Jasprit Bumrah claiming 3 wickets, Ravi Bishnoi, and Hardik Pandya picking up 2 wickets, helping India restrict New Zealand to a below-par total.
Match Overview – India vs New Zealand, January 25
India’s chase was powered by a dominant 102* (40 balls) partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, who guided the team to victory in just 10 overs. Abhishek smashed a rapid 68 off 20 balls, setting the pace, while Suryakumar remained unbeaten on 57 off 26 balls. Despite a duck from Sanju Samson, the pair’s destructive stand made the target look easy. New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to contain the Indian onslaught, and the hosts comfortably chased down the target.
Player of the Match – Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah was named the Player of the Match for taking 3/17, which put the brakes on New Zealand’s batting and helping India dominate the match.
How the Match Was Won
India bounced back strongly after Sanju Samson’s duck, with Abhishek Sharma (68* off 20 balls), Ishan Kishan (28 off 13 balls), and Suryakumar Yadav (57* off 26 balls) leading the chase. Their explosive contributions, including a dominant 102 (40 balls) partnership between Abhishek and Suryakumar, guided India to a win in just 10 overs.
Reactions and Post-Match Comments
The Indian skipper highlighted the team’s ability to recover from challenging situations. “This is the kind of cricket we want to play. We know how to recover from 20 for 3. The top order made my job much easier. Ravi Bishnoi has a clear plan, and he knows his strengths. It’s great to have him in the team, and it was good to give Varun a rest,” he said.
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner praised the Indian bowlers. “India’s bowlers deserve credit, especially for the key powerplay wickets. We knew it would be a tough fight after setting 150. The wicket was good, with cutters gripping well, but India’s bowlers made the difference. To be honest, it was more of a 180-190 wicket,” he said.
Bumrah reflected on his 10-year journey, expressing pride in his contributions and readiness. “I was watching closely when Rana and Hardik bowled. By the time I came on, the ball was scuffed up. I’m just happy to contribute in any way I can. Whether it’s the new ball or the death overs, I’m ready. It feels great to complete ten years in the game. As a kid, I just wanted to play one match. Overcoming pain, doubts, and opinions was tough, but reaching this milestone is a proud moment. The journey continues,” he said.
Series Impact and What’s Next
India have secured the series with a 3-0 lead, with the fourth T20I scheduled on January 28 in Visakhapatnam.
FAQs – India vs New Zealand Player of the Match
Q1: Who was the Player of the Match in India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I on January 25?
A1: Jasprit Bumrah was awarded Player of the Match for his brilliant bowling performance, claiming 3 wickets for 17 runs.
Q2: What were Jasprit Bumrah’s key stats?
A2: He took 3 wickets for 17 runs, playing a key role in restricting New Zealand’s total.
Q3: Who won the 3rd T20I between India and New Zealand?
A3: India won by 8 wickets.