Abhishek Sharma Smashes 35-Ball Century as India Crush New Zealand
Abhishek Sharma smashes a record-breaking 35-ball century to lead India to a dominant victory over New Zealand in Wellington.
In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, Abhishek Sharma 35-ball century has rewritten the record books, leading India to a dominant six-wicket victory over New Zealand. Playing at the Henry Stadium in Wellington on October 27, 2026, Sharma turned the third T20 International into a one-sided affair, ensuring India took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-game series.
A Record-Breaking Chase
Chasing a formidable target of 199 runs, India didn't just reach the goal—they demolished it. The Indian side reached the target in a mere 13.2 overs, leaving the New Zealand bowlers shell-shocked. The onslaught was led by Abhishek Sharma, who played an innings for the ages, scoring 113 runs off just 38 deliveries before being caught by Glenn Phillips off the bowling of Kyle Jamieson.
Sharma's masterclass was a symphony of boundaries, consisting of nine fours and a staggering 11 sixes, showcasing a level of aggression rarely seen in international cricket.
The Most Explosive Powerplay in History
The carnage began from the very first delivery. India's opening duo, Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, set the tone with a blistering start, racking up 26 runs in the opening over alone. The pair went on to create history by posting the highest powerplay score in men's T20I history, accumulating 118 runs within the first six overs.
Surpassing a Legend
This performance wasn't just about the match win; it was about legacy. This marks Abhishek Sharma's fourth T20 international century. With this feat, he has officially surpassed Virat Kohli for the most T20 centuries by an Indian player, bringing his tally to 11.
A Year of Dominance
Sharma's form throughout the year has been nothing short of phenomenal. His century in Wellington is part of a string of record-breaking performances:
- January 2025: Smashed a 37-ball century against England.
- September 2026: Set the record for the fastest T20I century by a batter from a full-member nation, reaching 100 in just 30 balls against Afghanistan.
Under the leadership of Captain Shreyas Iyer, India's aggressive approach completely overwhelmed Mitchell Santner's New Zealand side, cementing India's dominance in the series.