Abhishek Sharma’s 113 in 38 balls turned the tide as India chased 199 in 13.2 overs, clinching the fifth T20I and a 3‑0 series.
The left‑hander’s 85 sixes in 2026 shattered Rohit Sharma’s 2023 world record of 80, making him the most prolific Full Member six‑hitter this calendar year. His blistering 11 sixes in 38 balls included a 15‑ball half‑century and a 35‑ball century—both of which rattled the Kiwi bowlers.
The opening pair of Sharma and 15‑year‑old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ripped 118 runs in the first six overs, the highest ever in a T20 powerplay. Sooryavanshi’s 45 off 18, with four sixes, set the pace, but it was Sharma’s eight clearances that kept the pressure on New Zealand.
It marks India’s third straight T20I win on New Zealand soil, following 5‑0 in 2020 and 1‑0 in 2022. The series win boosts India’s confidence ahead of the upcoming home fixtures.
With the series closed, India turns its sights to the final match while New Zealand will regroup after the loss.