India completed a six‑wicket victory over New Zealand in the third T20 International of the series on Tuesday at Hnry Stadium, chasing a target of 199 in just 13.2 overs. The win was anchored by a spectacular opening partnership that combined a fearless approach from 15‑year‑old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with a blistering century from opener Abhishek Sharma. The pair’s aggression set the tone for what became a record‑shattering chase.
Net‑session motivation
Before the match, a net‑session conversation between the two openers turned into a defining moment. Sooryavanshi told Abhishek that he would bat “the same way as in the Milkha Singh movie *Bhaag Milkha Bhaag*,” quoting the dialogue “Bhaiya, khelunga bhi waise hi,” which translates to “Brother, I will play the same way.” The comment, captured in a video released by the BCCI after the game, was intended to inspire a bold approach against New Zealand’s frontline fast bowler.
Opening partnership rewrites the record books
Sooryavanshi answered the challenge immediately, hammering 45 runs from just 19 balls. His explosive start gave India a “flying start” as described by Sharma, who later added a towering 113 off 38 deliveries. The partnership propelled India to 118 without losing a wicket in the powerplay – the highest total ever recorded in the first six overs of a men’s T20 International. Within 2.2 overs the side reached 50 runs, equalling the joint‑fastest team fifty in the format, and crossed the 100‑run mark inside five overs.
The duo’s onslaught laid the foundation for a chase completed in 13.2 overs, with India finishing on 199/4. The record‑breaking powerplay and rapid accumulation of runs underscored the effectiveness of the aggressive mindset that Sooryavanshi had advocated.
Team dynamics and bowling support
Sharma highlighted how Sooryavanshi’s aggression lifted his own confidence, especially because the teenager faced New Zealand’s primary fast bowler in the first over. “When you are chasing 200 or 190, his first ball, first over is his main fast baller. And if you show such aggression as an opener… the non‑striker gets excited,” Sharma said.
The opener also praised the self‑less attitude within the Indian camp, noting that senior batsman Sanju Samson had opened the first two matches before adjusting his position to accommodate the emerging partnership. “Sanju Bhai was opening the game. We can see that everyone is selfless… The whole team showed their character,” Sharma added.
While the batting heroics dominated headlines, India’s bowlers were credited with keeping New Zealand’s total within reach. The visitors posted 198/3, with Daryl Mitchell remaining unbeaten on 89 off 52 balls. Indian pacers and all‑rounders – Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy – were singled out by Sharma for restricting the opposition and providing a manageable target. “The way the bowlers came back… because of that, the total was low today,” he said.
The collective effort, from the teenage opener’s motivational line to the disciplined bowling spell, illustrated a cohesive team environment that translated into a historic chase. India’s ability to chase 199 with six wickets in hand, while setting multiple T20I records, marked a significant milestone in the series and reinforced the impact of youthful confidence paired with experienced execution.
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