GUWAHATI: India won their third T20I match against New Zealand by achieving an 8-wicket victory, which followed Abhishek Sharma’s explosive half-century performance that led India to their third win of the five-match series.
New Zealand selected to bat first and completed their innings with a score of 153 runs at the expense of 9 wickets. Glen Phillips scored 48 runs to become New Zealand’s top batsman, while Jasprit Bumrah performed exceptionally by taking 3 wickets and giving away only 17 runs, which limited New Zealand’s scoring ability.
India easily chased down the target as they completed the match in less than 10 overs after losing 2 wickets. Sharma was the star of the show as he scored 50 runs off 14 balls and made 68 off 20 balls in his unbeaten knock. His effort is one of the fastest T20I feats to be recorded.
Suryakumar Yadav captained the Indian side and scored an impressive 57 runs off 26 balls, thus helping to wrap up the win.
India recorded a T20I win which also became their largest home win as they ended the game with 60 balls spare. New Zealand experienced their heaviest loss when they were defeated by over 90 balls spare.
Pakistan announces 15-Member squad for T20 World Cup
Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced its 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, with Salman Ali Agha appointed as the captain of the national T20 team. Agha, who has recently impressed with his performances, will lead a dynamic group that includes both seasoned internationals and promising new talents.
The squad features experienced players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, and Muhammad Nawaz, alongside newcomers like Khawaja Muhammad Nafi, Muhammad Salman Mirza, and Sahibzada Farhan. Other key players include Faheem Ashraf, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Khan, Saim Ayub, and Naseem Shah, each bringing a variety of skills to the team.
Pakistan’s World Cup journey will begin on February 7, 2026, when they face the Netherlands in their opening match. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place from February 7 to March 8, 2026, and the Pakistan team is eager to make a strong impression.
To prepare for the tournament, the squad will participate in a three-match T20 series against Australia. With a well-rounded mix of experience and youth, the Green Shirts aim to secure their second T20 World Cup title.
