India caps series with 13.2-over chase in Wellington

India chased down a target of 198 runs in 13.2 overs on Tuesday, securing a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in Wellington. The performance concluded the five-match Twenty20 International series with two games remaining. Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi formed the opening partnership that dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack.

The duo shared a 133-run stand in just 7.1 overs. This pace obliterated the fielding side and stands among the most destructive partnerships in Twenty20 International history. Jacob Duffy conceded 26 runs in his first over, setting the tone for the rapid scoring that followed.

Abhishek recorded 113 runs from 38 balls, striking nine fours and 11 sixes. He fell to Kyle Jamieson to receive a standing ovation from the crowd. By the time he was dismissed, India had already reached 178 for the loss of two wickets in only 10 overs.

Sooryavanshi was promoted to open after batting at number three in the previous match. He scored 45 runs off 19 deliveries, hitting four fours and four sixes. Abhishek noted that the pair identified extra bounce while fielding earlier in the game. "Vaibhav started off well, and we took the momentum from there," Abhishek said.

New Zealand set the target after India won the toss for the third consecutive match and chose to bowl. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh used seam movement to remove top-order batters Tim Seifert and Finn Allen. Seifert top-edged Arshdeep Singh for two runs before the dismissal.

Daryl Mitchell and Allen shared an 86-run partnership to stabilize the innings. Mitchell hit 89 off 52 balls, including five fours and five sixes, by moving around the crease to counter the seam. Allen scored 40 from 25 balls. Bevon Jacobs finished on an unbeaten 39 from 23 deliveries to complete the total.

India captain Shreyas Iyer praised the openers' performance. "Getting 100 in five overs, I have not seen that before at the international level," Iyer said. The teams will meet again at Eden Park in Auckland for the fourth match of the series on Friday.