India crushes New Zealand with record-breaking chase in Wellington

India secured a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in Wellington on Tuesday, ending the five-match T20 series with two games remaining. The team chased down a target of 198 in just 13.2 overs, a feat driven by a dominant opening partnership.

Abhishek Sharma scored 113 off 39 balls, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added 45 from 19 deliveries. The duo shared a 133-run stand in 7.1 overs, which dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack. This remains one of the most destructive partnerships in Twenty20 international history.

New Zealand bowler Jacob Duffy conceded 26 runs in his first over, and the Indian openers maintained that pace throughout the innings. Abhishek struck nine fours and 11 sixes before falling to Kyle Jamieson. He received a standing ovation from the crowd at the moment of his dismissal.

By the time Abhishek was out, India had reached 178 for two in just 10 overs. Sooryavanshi, who had batted at number three in the previous match, was moved to the top order for this game. He hit four fours and four sixes in his brief innings.

India captain Shreyas Iyer praised the aggressive approach. "Getting 100 in five overs, I have not seen that before at the international level," Iyer said. He noted that the pair played exceptionally well under the conditions.

Abhishek attributed the performance to the pitch conditions observed during fielding. "Vaibhav and I enjoyed our time," he said. "When we were fielding, we saw there was some extra bounce. Vaibhav started off well, and we took the momentum from there."

New Zealand set the target with the help of Daryl Mitchell, who scored 89 from 52 balls. Mitchell hit five fours and five sixes, moving around the crease to counter the seam movement from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh. Bevon Jacobs finished unbeaten on 39 to secure the total. The next match in the series is scheduled for Friday at Eden Park in Auckland.