India Defeats New Zealand by Six Wickets in 3rd T20I, Secures 3‑0 Series Lead

India clinches series with six‑wicket win over New Zealand

On October 27, 2026, India defeated New Zealand by six wickets in the third Twenty20 International at Hnry Stadium in Wellington, completing a 3‑0 lead in the five‑match series.

India won the toss and elected to bowl first, with captain Shreyas Iyer making the decision at the venue.

The Indian side retained the same playing XI that had secured the first two victories, featuring wicket‑keeper Sanju Samson, openers Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and captain Shreyas Iyer in the middle order.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner described the Hnry Stadium pitch as offering “good wicket, some pace and bounce” with no wind.

India’s chase began with a record‑breaking powerplay, posting 94 runs for two wickets and becoming the fastest men’s T20I side to reach a team century, crossing 100 runs in just five overs.

Opening batter Abhishek Sharma contributed a rapid 113 off 38 balls, including a 14‑ball fifty that made him the second‑fastest Indian to reach a half‑century in T20Is.

“We are going to bowl. Certain aspects we definitely need to keep improving,” Iyer said at the toss.

India’s victory gave them an unassailable 3‑0 series lead, securing the series with two matches remaining.