India secured a comfortable six-wicket win in the third T20I against New Zealand to seal a 3-0 series win at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Tuesday, October 27.
In the third T20I, New Zealand batted first and posted a dominant total of 198/3 in 20 overs. Finn Allen (40) and Daryl Mitchell (89*) were exceptional in the first innings. The chase was more of a one-way traffic. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (45 off 19) and Abhishek Sharma (113 off 38) were the top batters in the second innings as they sealed the deal in 13.2 overs with six wickets in hand.
On that note, let’s take a look at who said what after NZvIND, 3rd T20I.
Abhishek Sharma, Player of the Match:
(Key to his hitting) Key was pretty much simple – that me and Vaibhav enjoy our time. When we were fielding, we saw there was some extra bounce (and that we could target the shorter side). Vaibhav started off well, and we took the momentum from there. It is not that easy, but it is down to the preparation. Huge shoutout to our coaching staff and our side-arm (bowlers). We had a good practice session yesterday and I just wanted to use it. I manifested this innings, and it happened. (On Yuvraj’s playful jibe on social media that Abhishek has still not gotten a 12-ball fifty) I have said this before. I don’t know what cricket he was playing at the time (smiles). If anyone wants to go out and bat like that, it is not easy. It is not easy to get a fifty in 12 balls. But we do not think about that, we want to just win the match for our team.
Shreyas Iyer, India captain:
It was pleasing to the eye. When me and Sanju went out, the ball was swinging and we were like – how did they (the openers) manage it. Getting 100 in five overs, have not seen that before at the international level. (Message to play fearlessly) It is essential. Coming overseas, you will be challenged. Credit where it is due and the way they played is exceptional. Two more to go, I hope they keep continuing this form. Glad how the lads turned up (with all the travel and jet lag), and it is just mind-boggling. When we were bowling hard lengths or full, we were going for runs. So I told them to go for yorkers. That helped us to keep them under 10 runs per over, and our plan was to keep them under 200.
Mitchell Santner, New Zealand captain:
Tough to stop those guys. We have seen it in the IPL and witnessed it here tonight. (On the batting) Did a little bit early with the ball. Daryl and Jacobs, getting that partnership in. 200 is a good score. They (India) bowled well at the end. When the dew comes in, it is tough. Powerplay is such a massive part of this game and they showed us how to bat. Batting has been firing nicely. Different guys stepping up, so that is good. (What they could have done differently with the ball and why he did not bowl sooner) Watched Axar in the first innings and there was not a lot there. Tried Bracewell and they played it very well. Just looking for ways to stop them. We now go to Eden Park, which is an even smaller ground, so we need to find ways (of stopping India)
