Abhishek Sharma's Explosive Century Seals T20I Series for India Against New Zealand
India clinched the five-match T20I series 3-0 with a dominant six-wicket victory in Wellington, highlighted by Sharma's record-breaking 35-ball hundred.
The story
In a display of breathtaking power-hitting at Hnry Stadium in Wellington, India's Abhishek Sharma smashed a sensational 113 runs off just 38 balls, including a 35-ball century, to lead India to a six-wicket victory over New Zealand. Chasing New Zealand's challenging total of 198/3, set largely by Daryl Mitchell's unbeaten 89, India's openers Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (45 off 19 balls) launched an aggressive assault.
Their 133-run partnership in just 7.1 overs dismantled the Kiwi bowling attack, setting a new record for India's fastest team fifty in men's T20Is in just 2.2 overs. India ultimately chased down the target in a mere 13.2 overs, securing an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
Latest results
| Match | Format | Result | Star |
|---|---|---|---|
| India vs New Zealand | T20I | India won by 6 wickets | Abhishek Sharma 113 (38) |
| Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | ODI | Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets | Dilshan Madushanka 5/34 |
| Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe | T20I | Afghanistan won by 37 runs | Ijaz Ahmadzai 51 (20) |
| South Africa vs Australia | Test | Day 1: South Africa 329/10 (Australia elected to bowl) | |
| Bangladesh vs West Indies | Test | Day 1: Bangladesh 149/3 (Bangladesh elected to bat) | Shadman Islam 66* |
Series in play
India tour of New Zealand, 2026. India won the five-match T20I series 3-0 with two matches remaining.
Pakistan ODI Tri-Series, 2026. Pakistan and Sri Lanka have qualified for the final.
Australia tour of South Africa, 2026. 3rd Test, Day 1 concluded; series stands at 1-1.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe in UAE, 2026. Afghanistan leads the three-match T20I series 1-0.
West Indies tour of Bangladesh, 2026. 1st Test, Day 1 in progress.
Tables that matter
| Competition | Position | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 | 1. Australia (75.00-81.82 PCT), 2. New Zealand (72.22 PCT), 3. South Africa (66.67-75.00 PCT) | Australia leads the standings, followed by New Zealand and South Africa. |
| ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings | 1. India (115 rating) | India holds the top spot as of October 13, 2026. |
| ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings | 1. England (269 points), 2. India (267 points) | England narrowly leads India in the T20I team rankings. |
| ICC Men's T20I Batting Rankings | 1. Abhishek Sharma (917 points) | India's Abhishek Sharma is the top-ranked T20I batter. |
What we'll be watching
- South Africa vs Australia: 3rd Test, Day 2 continues on October 28 at Newlands.
- Bangladesh vs West Indies: 1st Test, Day 2 continues on October 29 at Shere Bangla National Stadium.
- United Arab Emirates vs Oman: 142nd Match, ICC Cricket World Cup League Two 2023-27 on October 29 at ICC Academy Ground.
- Sri Lanka vs England: 6th Match, Pakistan ODI Tri-Series on October 29 at Gaddafi Stadium.
- Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe: 2nd T20I on October 29 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
- New Zealand vs India: 4th T20I on October 30 at Eden Park.
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