India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026 was a spectacle that left cricket fans buzzing. On January 25, 2026, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, India delivered a masterclass in aggressive T20 cricket. Chasing 154, they romped home in just 10 overs, winning by 8 wickets and clinching an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement of dominance ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Imagine a team wiping out over 60% of the target in the powerplay alone. That’s exactly what happened as Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav turned the game into a highlight reel. Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling heroics set the tone, restricting New Zealand to 153/9. For cricket enthusiasts following the New Zealand tour of India 2026, this match showcased why India is the team to beat.
In this detailed article on IPL Star, we’ll break down every aspect of the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026. From the toss to post-match reactions, we’ll cover the match report, recap, highlights, and in-depth analysis. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the game, stick around for insights that go beyond the scorecard.
Toss, Playing XIs, and Pre-Match Talking Points
The toss often sets the tone in T20 cricket, and in the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026, it went India’s way. Captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to bowl first. This decision aligned with India’s strategy throughout the series – chase on flat Indian pitches where dew can play a role in the second innings.
Why bowl first? The Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati is known for high-scoring games. With a capacity of 40,000 and ends named Media End and Pavilion End, it’s a batter’s paradise. Historical data shows teams chasing have a slight edge here, especially with quick outfields and short boundaries. Yadav’s call was spot on, as the pitch offered some grip for cutters in the first innings but flattened out later.
Team changes added intrigue. India welcomed back Jasprit Bumrah after resting him in the second game. Ravi Bishnoi returned after nearly a year, replacing Varun Chakaravarthy. Arshdeep Singh was also rested, giving Harshit Rana another outing. This rotation highlighted India’s depth, crucial for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
New Zealand stuck with their XI but missed explosive opener Finn Allen. Captain Mitchell Santner, in a pre-match chat, joked about needing “300 runs” to challenge India’s batting firepower. It was tongue-in-cheek, but it underscored the Kiwis’ struggles against India’s aggressive lineup.
Playing XIs:
| Team | Playing XI |
|---|---|
| India | Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah |
| New Zealand | Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy |
Pre-match buzz focused on India’s form. They entered with 10 straight home T20I series wins. New Zealand, conquerors in Tests and ODIs earlier in the tour, hoped to salvage pride. But with India’s batters on fire, experts predicted a home win. As per ESPN Cricinfo reports, this match was seen as a dress rehearsal for World Cup conditions.
New Zealand Innings – Restricted to 153/9
New Zealand’s innings in the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026 was a tale of early collapse and gritty recovery, but it fell short. Batting first, they posted 153/9 – a total Santner later admitted was 30-40 runs light on a 180-190 par pitch.
Powerplay Struggles: 36/3
The powerplay was disastrous for the Kiwis. Harshit Rana struck in the first over, dismissing Devon Conway for 1. Conway, falling to Rana for the fifth time on tour, miscued to mid-off where Hardik Pandya took a stunning overhead catch.
In the next over, Pandya got Rachin Ravindra (4) with a short ball, caught by Bishnoi in the deep. At 13/2, New Zealand were reeling.
Jasprit Bumrah, introduced in the fifth over, bowled Tim Seifert (12) with his first ball – a straightening delivery that hit off-stump. Bumrah’s accuracy was vintage, and the powerplay ended at 36/3.
Middle Overs Fightback
Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman steadied the ship. Phillips (48 off 40) started aggressively, hitting boundaries off Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube. Chapman (32 off 23) joined in, smashing two sixes.
Their 52-run partnership took New Zealand to 75/3 at drinks. The duo targeted the spinners, fetching 50 runs in 38 balls for the fourth wicket.
But Ravi Bishnoi, on comeback, broke through. He dismissed Chapman caught behind with a quick non-turner at 105 kph. Then, Bishnoi got Phillips, caught by Ishan Kishan.
Hardik Pandya removed Daryl Mitchell (14), caught by Kishan. From 86/4, New Zealand slipped to 112/6.
Death Overs Scramble
Mitchell Santner (27 off 17) provided late impetus, hitting three fours and a six. He dragged the total past 150, but Bumrah returned to dismiss him in the 19th over.
Kyle Jamieson (3) was bowled by Bumrah, and Matt Henry (1) was run out. Ish Sodhi (2) and Jacob Duffy (4) saw out the innings.
India’s bowlers were clinical. Bumrah’s 3/17 earned him Player of the Match. Bishnoi (2/18) impressed with control.
New Zealand Scorecard:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devon Conway | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Tim Seifert (wk) | 12 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 109.09 |
| Rachin Ravindra | 4 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 80.00 |
| Glenn Phillips | 48 | 40 | 6 | 1 | 120.00 |
| Mark Chapman | 32 | 23 | 2 | 2 | 139.13 |
| Daryl Mitchell | 14 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 175.00 |
| Mitchell Santner (c) | 27 | 17 | 3 | 1 | 158.82 |
| Kyle Jamieson | 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 60.00 |
| Matt Henry | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Ish Sodhi | 2* | 5 | 0 | 0 | 40.00 |
| Jacob Duffy | 4* | 3 | 0 | 0 | 133.33 |
| Extras | 5 (lb 4, w 1) | ||||
| Total | 153/9 (20 overs, RR: 7.65) |
India Bowling Figures:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harshit Rana | 4 | 0 | 35 | 1 | 8.80 |
| Hardik Pandya | 3 | 0 | 23 | 2 | 7.70 |
| Ravi Bishnoi | 4 | 0 | 18 | 2 | 4.50 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 4 | 0 | 17 | 3 | 4.25 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 3 | 0 | 32 | 0 | 10.67 |
| Shivam Dube | 2 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 12.00 |
Fall of Wickets:
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| Conway | 2/1 | 0.3 |
| Ravindra | 13/2 | 1.4 |
| Seifert | 34/3 | 5.1 |
| Chapman | 86/4 | 11.6 |
| Mitchell | 112/5 | 14.4 |
| Phillips | 112/6 | 15.1 |
| Jamieson | 132/7 | 17.2 |
| Henry | 134/8 | 17.4 |
| Santner | 144/9 | 19.1 |
Partnerships were key, but regular wickets hurt. The Phillips-Chapman stand was the highlight, but India’s pressure bowling ensured no big score. As per Olympics.com, New Zealand’s powerplay wickets were costly.
India’s Historic Chase – 155/2 in Just 10 Overs
The India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026 chase was a battering ram of an innings. Chasing 154, India finished in 10 overs with 8 wickets in hand – a record for chases of 150+ against a Full Member team, with 60 balls spare.
Explosive Start Despite Early Blow
It started with a hiccup. Matt Henry bowled Sanju Samson (0) first ball – a golden duck.
But Ishan Kishan responded fiercely. After a sighter, he hammered Henry for 6, 6, 4. Abhishek Sharma joined, charging Jacob Duffy first ball for a six over midwicket, followed by two fours.
India raced to 32/1 in two overs. New Zealand introduced Ish Sodhi early, and he got Kishan (28 off 13) caught by Chapman.
Abhishek Sharma’s Record-Breaking Assault
Abhishek took over. He smashed Sodhi and Duffy, carting 22 off Duffy’s over to bring up India’s second-fastest T20I fifty in 14 balls (behind Yuvraj Singh’s 12).
Abhishek’s 68* off 20 included 7 fours and 5 sixes, at a SR of 340. He backed away to leg-side balls, accessing the off-side. As MSN reported, he joined the record books with this blitz.
The powerplay ended at 94/2 – India’s second-highest ever, one short of their record.
Suryakumar Yadav Seals the Deal
Suryakumar Yadav (57* off 26) dominated post-powerplay. His 360-degree shots – flicks over fine leg, cuts, and drives – were flawless. The unbeaten 102-run stand with Abhishek came in 40 balls.
Suryakumar’s fifty was his second consecutive, signaling peak form. New Zealand bowlers, including Santner, had no answers.
India Scorecard:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson (wk) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 68* | 20 | 7 | 5 | 340.00 |
| Ishan Kishan | 28 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 215.38 |
| Suryakumar Yadav (c) | 57* | 26 | 6 | 3 | 219.23 |
| Extras | 2 (w 2) | ||||
| Total | 155/2 (10 overs, RR: 15.50) |
Did not bat: Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah.
New Zealand Bowling Figures:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Henry | 2 | 0 | 28 | 1 | 14.00 |
| Jacob Duffy | 2 | 0 | 38 | 0 | 19.00 |
| Kyle Jamieson | 1 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 17.00 |
| Ish Sodhi | 2 | 0 | 28 | 1 | 14.00 |
| Mitchell Santner | 2 | 0 | 28 | 0 | 14.00 |
| Glenn Phillips | 1 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 16.00 |
Fall of Wickets:
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| Samson | 0/1 | 0.1 |
| Kishan | 53/2 | 3.2 |
Partnerships:
| Partnership | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Samson-Abhishek | 0 | 1 |
| Kishan-Abhishek | 53 | 19 |
| Abhishek-Suryakumar | 102 | 40 |
Match Flow highlights: India hit 100 in 6.3 overs, 150 in 9.5. Boundaries: 16 fours, 10 sixes. As Business Standard noted, it was a demolition.
Standout Individual Performances
In the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026, several players shone.
Jasprit Bumrah, Player of the Match, was exceptional. His 3/17 included key wickets. Celebrating 10 years in international cricket, Bumrah said, “I’m happy to contribute wherever the team needs me.” His spell pegged New Zealand back early.
Abhishek Sharma’s 68* was explosive. His 14-ball fifty mocked New Zealand’s plans. Abhishek explained, “It’s about instinct and playing with the field.” Duffy shaking his head at Abhishek’s bat post-match summed it up.
Suryakumar Yadav’s 57* and captaincy were pivotal. He praised the top order: “This is the brand of cricket we want to play.”
Ravi Bishnoi’s 2/18 marked a strong return. Yadav noted, “He’s always delivered under pressure.”
Hardik Pandya (2/23) and Ishan Kishan (28) supported well. For New Zealand, Phillips’ 48 was valiant, but insufficient.
From X reactions, Ahmad Haseeb tweeted, “Abhishek Sharma the beast and Suryakumar Yadav the clutch stole the show.”
Records Broken and Statistical Milestones
The India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026 shattered records.
Largest Win by Balls Remaining Chasing 150+ vs Full Member:
| Team | Opponent | Venue | Year | Balls Spare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | New Zealand | Guwahati | 2026 | 60 |
| West Indies | South Africa | Kingston | 2024 | 37 |
| England | Pakistan | Lahore | 2022 | 33 |
| South Africa | England | Johannesburg | 2016 | 32 |
First team to chase any target vs New Zealand inside 10 overs.
Consecutive T20I Series Wins (Full Members):
| Team | Streak | Period |
|---|---|---|
| India | 11* | 2024-ongoing |
| Pakistan | 11 | 2016-18 |
| India | 7 | 2017-18 |
| India | 6 | 2019-21 |
Consecutive Home T20I Series Wins (Full Members):
| Team | Streak | Period |
|---|---|---|
| India | 10* | 2022-26 |
| Australia | 8 | 2006-10 |
| India | 7 | 2019-22 |
| Pakistan | 5 | 2008-18 |
Abhishek’s 14-ball fifty is India’s second-fastest. Powerplay: 94/2, second-highest for India.
Scoring Breakdown:
| Phase | New Zealand | India |
|---|---|---|
| Powerplay (0.1-6) | 36/3 | 94/2 |
| Middle Overs (7-16) | 85/3 | 61/0 |
| Death Overs (17-20) | 32/3 | – |
| Sixes | 5 | 10 |
| Fours | 14 | 16 |
| Boundary Runs | 86 | 124 |
| Dot Balls % | 38% | 18% |
| Extras | 5 | 2 |
As Republic World highlighted, India sealed 3-0.
Post-Match Reactions and Quotes
Reactions to the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026 were electric.
Jasprit Bumrah: “The white ball doesn’t swing long, so I focused on my best options. Playing 10 years as a fast bowler is something I’m proud of.”
Suryakumar Yadav: “We want this aggressive brand, irrespective of batting first or chasing. The top batters made my job easy. Bishnoi knows his strengths well.”
Mitchell Santner: “Credit to India’s bowling. We lost three in the powerplay, making it tough. It was a 180-190 wicket. Good prep for World Cup conditions, which might differ.”
From X, Circle of Cricket shared reactions: India’s batters blew away New Zealand. Sportstar tweeted, “India clinches 3-0!”
IndiaToday on stats: “No mountain too high after Guwahati epic.”
Observations: Gautam Gambhir and Hardik chatted with groundstaff, posing for photos.
Series Context and Road to T20 World Cup
With a 3-0 lead, the New Zealand tour of India 2026 series is sealed. The last two games are for fine-tuning.
India’s streak: 11 consecutive T20I series wins, tying Pakistan. Their home dominance is unmatched.
For New Zealand, it’s a learning curve. Santner expects Finn Allen’s return to boost them. Differing World Cup pitches (e.g., Chennai vs Afghanistan) could suit Kiwis better.
India’s depth shines: Fringe players like Abhishek and Bishnoi starred. As defending champions, they’re favorites. This win extends their streak since before the last World Cup.
Historical context: India has won 16 of 26 T20Is vs New Zealand. In India, it’s 9-3. As per Indian Express, this result updates the scorecard.
In-Depth Analysis – What Made India Dominant?
The India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026 showcased India’s supremacy.
Bowling Mastery and Depth
India’s attack was versatile. Bumrah’s new-ball swing and death yorkers were key. Bishnoi’s variations at 4.50 economy stifled the middle order.
Resting Arshdeep and Varun showed depth. Pandya’s all-round role added balance. New Zealand’s 38% dot balls highlight India’s pressure.
Compare to series: In first two games, similar restrictions.
Aggressive Batting Philosophy
India’s “brand” under Yadav is fearless. Chasing 154 in 10 overs, with 15.5 RR, is unprecedented.
Abhishek’s movement countered leg-side plans. Suryakumar’s range exploited fields. Powerplay 94 runs set the tone.
Tactical edge: Early aggression forced NZ errors.
Fielding and Captaincy Decisions
Sharp catches (Pandya’s stunner) and run-outs boosted India. Yadav’s rotations – Bumrah late in powerplay – were smart.
New Zealand’s errors: Dropping chances, poor lines to Abhishek.
New Zealand’s Struggles and Tactical Errors
Kiwis lost momentum early. Missing Allen hurt. Bowling to Abhishek’s pads backfired.
Santner admitted powerplay issues. For World Cup, they need adaptation.
Overall, India’s mental edge prevailed. As Cricbuzz commentary noted, no total seemed safe.
Tactical Takeaways:
- Rotate strike against swing.
- Exploit short boundaries.
- Depth wins series.
Historical Comparisons: Similar to India’s 2024 WI chase. Outlook India called it a sweep.
Venue Insights: Barsapara Cricket Stadium
Barsapara, Guwahati, hosted its first T20I in 2017. Capacity 40,000, it’s Assam’s home.
Stats: Average first innings 180. Chasing teams win 60%. Highest: 237/3 by India vs SA 2022.
In this match, it favored batters second innings. As per ESPN, the fast outfield aided India’s chase.
Player Profiles and Career Highlights
To understand stars, let’s profile.
Jasprit Bumrah: Debut 2016, 89 T20I wickets at 18.50. Known for yorkers.
Abhishek Sharma: IPL sensation with SRH. T20I debut 2024, aggressive opener.
Suryakumar Yadav: No.1 T20I batter, 360 shots master.
From YouTube highlights, Abhishek’s knock echoed Yuvraj.
Broader Impact on Cricket
This win boosts India’s confidence. For fans in Nagpur like you, Rohit, it’s a reminder of India’s prowess.
Global reactions: X posts celebrated. As India.com live score showed, it was one-sided.
Check our 2nd T20I Recap. For more, check ESPN videos.
Cricbuzz mid-innings show.
Conclusion: India’s Unstoppable March
The India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026 was epic dominance. With records tumbling and stars shining, India sealed the series emphatically. As World Cup looms, this rout positions them as favorites.
What a time for cricket! Share your thoughts in comments. For more on IPL Star, subscribe.
FAQs – India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026
1. What was the final result of India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026?
India crushed New Zealand by 8 wickets with 60 balls to spare in the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026, played on January 25, 2026, at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. Chasing 154, India reached 155/2 in just 10 overs, sealing a 3-0 series lead.
2. Who was named Player of the Match in IND vs NZ 3rd T20I 2026?
Jasprit Bumrah was awarded Player of the Match for his masterful 3/17 in 4 overs. His spell, including a wicket with his very first delivery, restricted New Zealand to 153/9 and marked a fitting celebration of his 10 years in international cricket.
3. What are the key IND vs NZ 3rd T20I highlights?
The standout highlights include Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 14-ball fifty, India’s record 94-run powerplay, Ishan Kishan’s 6-6-4 off Matt Henry, and Suryakumar Yadav’s elegant unbeaten 57*. India’s chase of 154 in 10 overs vs New Zealand is now the fastest successful chase of any target against the Kiwis.
4. How fast was Abhishek Sharma’s fifty in India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026?
Abhishek Sharma smashed the second-fastest T20I fifty for India, reaching 50 in just 14 balls. His unbeaten 68* off 20 balls (7 fours, 5 sixes) at a strike rate of 340 powered India’s historic chase.
5. What records were broken in India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026?
India recorded the largest victory by balls remaining (60) while chasing 150+ against a Full Member nation. It was also the first time any team chased a target against New Zealand inside 10 overs. India extended their consecutive T20I series wins to 11 and home T20I series wins to 10.
6. What was Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling performance in the match?
Jasprit Bumrah delivered a clinical 4-0-17-3, dismissing Tim Seifert, Kyle Jamieson, and Mitchell Santner. His economy of 4.25 was the best among Indian bowlers and crucial in keeping New Zealand to a below-par 153/9.
7. How did India achieve the India chase 154 in 10 overs vs New Zealand?
India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I After losing Sanju Samson first ball, Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma exploded in the powerplay (94/2). An unbeaten 102-run third-wicket partnership between Abhishek (68*) and Suryakumar Yadav (57*) finished the game in the 10th over at a run rate of 15.50.
8. What is the significance of India’s T20 series win 2026 against New Zealand?
India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I The 3-0 lead confirmed India’s 11th consecutive bilateral T20I series victory (tying Pakistan’s record) and 10th straight home T20I series win (a new record), reinforcing their status as favourites for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
9. Where was the India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026 played and what are Barsapara Stadium T20 records?
India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I The match was held at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. Known for short boundaries and high scores, the venue has seen an average first-innings score around 180. India’s 94-run powerplay here ranks among the highest powerplay totals recorded at the ground.
10. What did captains say after India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026?
India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I Suryakumar Yadav praised his team’s aggressive brand of cricket. Mitchell Santner admitted the pitch was worth 180–190 and that early powerplay wickets hurt New Zealand. Jasprit Bumrah reflected proudly on his 10-year international milestone.
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