Abhishek Sharma’s 35-Ball Century Seals India’s T20 Series Win

Abhishek Sharma struck a 35-ball century as India beat New Zealand by six wickets in Wellington on Tuesday, sealing their five-match Twenty20 international series with two games remaining. India chased a target of 199 in just 13.2 overs to move 3–0 ahead.

The left-hander finished with 113 from 38 deliveries, according to Reuters. His innings transformed a substantial chase into a rapid victory, leaving India with 40 balls unused when the winning runs arrived. The visitors finished at 199 for four.

India’s assault began during the fielding restrictions. They reached 118 in the six-over powerplay, The Daily Star reported, establishing a platform that left the required scoring rate well within reach. Abhishek and opening partner Vaibhav Suryavanshi drove that early acceleration.

New Zealand had posted 198 for three, with Daryl Mitchell unbeaten on 89. Finn Allen contributed 40 and Bevon Jacobs finished 39 not out, giving the home side a competitive total before India’s opening burst changed the direction of the match.

Arshdeep Singh returned one for 33 from his four overs. His figures helped limit the damage in an innings during which New Zealand lost only three wickets, but the decisive separation between the sides came from the speed of India’s reply.

Abhishek’s hundred was not his fastest in international cricket. Reuters noted that he had reached three figures in 30 balls against Afghanistan in Delhi in September. That earlier performance remained his benchmark despite Tuesday’s extraordinary scoring rate and the match-winning size of his contribution.

The result settles the series before the final two fixtures. New Zealand can still respond in those remaining matches, but cannot overturn India’s three-win advantage. For India, the Wellington victory combines a completed series objective with another exceptional innings from an opener already accustomed to scoring rapidly. They meet in Auckland on Friday.