Guwahati: Riding on clinical performances with both bat and ball, India registered an eight-wicket win over New Zealand in the third T20I on Sunday to seal an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

After winning the toss, India chose to field and produced a disciplined bowling display that kept the Kiwis to a modest 153/9. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers with 3/17, while Hardik Pandya (2/23) and spinner Ravi Bishnoi (2/18). Speedster Harshit Rana struck early, removing Devon Conway for just one in the first over, putting New Zealand on the back foot.

New Zealand showed brief resistance through Glenn Phillips (48) and Mark Chapman (32), who rotated the strike effectively. However, the Indian bowlers kept the pressure constant, breaking key partnerships at crucial junctures. Bishnoi removed Chapman and Phillips in quick succession, while Bumrah finished off the innings by dismissing Kyle Jamieson and Santner.

In a rare low moment for India, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson was dismissed for a golden duck by New Zealand pacer Matt Henry, but the team quickly recovered.

In reply, India made light work of the chase, scoring 155/2 in just 10 overs. Abhishek Sharma starred with a quickfire 68 off 20 balls, while captain Suryakumar Yadav struck 57 from 26 deliveries. The duo’s aggressive innings ensured that India crossed the target with ease, winning by eight wickets and wrapping up the series in style.

With this victory, India now lead the five-match series 3-0, keeping the remaining two games as dead rubbers. The team’s combination of pace, spin, and power-hitting has clearly unsettled the Kiwis, with Bumrah, Pandya, and Bishnoi leading the way with the ball, and Sharma and Suryakumar providing explosive firepower with the bat.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand: 153/9 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 48; Jasprit Bumrah 3/17)

India: 155/2 in 10 overs (Abhishek Sharma 68, Suryakumar Yadav 57; Matt Henry 2/28)