Guwahati erupted in cheers as Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell dismantled New Zealand’s batting lineup in the third T20I, restricting them to a modest 153 for 9. With a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series, India stands on the brink of a clean sweep, chasing 154 to clinch the trophy under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership.
Captain Suryakumar won the toss and astutely bowled first, a decision that paid immediate dividends. New Zealand’s innings crumbled early, losing Devon Conway for just 1 run off 2 balls when the score was a mere 2. Rachin Ravindra followed soon after, dismissed for 4, leaving the Kiwis at 13 for 2.
Glenn Phillips tried to steady the ship with a 21-run stand alongside Tim Seifert, but Seifert managed only 12 off 11 before falling. Phillips then partnered with Mark Chapman to add crucial 52 runs off 41 balls, pushing the score to 86. Chapman fell for 32, smashing two sixes and two fours in 23 balls, while Phillips, on the cusp of a half-century, departed for 48 off 40 balls, featuring one six and six fours.
Captain Mitchell Santner contributed a gritty 27, but the lower order couldn’t accelerate. Bumrah starred with 3 for 17, while Hardik Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi claimed 2 wickets each. Harshit Rana picked up one.
India’s chase now holds the key. With Suryakumar Yadav captaining a star-studded side including Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and more, victory seems within grasp. New Zealand, led by Santner with Conway, Seifert, Phillips, and others, fought valiantly but fell short against India’s bowling prowess.
As the series nears its climax, fans eagerly await if India can wrap up proceedings in Guwahati tonight.