By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Abhishek Sharma unleashed a breathtaking batting assault, smashing 113 off just 38 balls as India stormed to a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third T20 International on Tuesday to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
Chasing a challenging target of 199, India raced to 199 for four in just 13.2 overs, with Abhishek producing one of the most splendid innings of his T20 international career. His knock featured 11 sixes and a barrage of boundaries that left the New Zealand bowlers struggling for answers.
Abhishek’s extraordinary strike rate of nearly 298 put India firmly in control of the chase and ensured the visitors needed just 80 balls to reach their target, with 40 deliveries to spare.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided strong support at the top of the order, scoring 45 off 19 balls as India made a flying start. The aggressive opening partnership put the hosts under immediate pressure and kept the required run rate comfortably within reach.
Abhishek continued his assault even after the early momentum had been established, combining powerful hitting with remarkable timing to dismantle the New Zealand attack. His innings ensured that India never lost control of the chase despite losing four wickets.
Earlier, New Zealand posted an imposing 198 for three in their allotted 20 overs after India elected to field.
Daryl Mitchell led the home side’s effort with an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls, while Finn Allen contributed 40. Bevon Jacobs remained unbeaten on 39, helping New Zealand finish with a total that would ordinarily have posed a significant challenge.
India’s bowlers, however, restricted the damage sufficiently to give their batters a realistic target. Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy took a wicket each.
Abhishek was named Player of the Match for his match-defining innings.
The victory gives India a commanding 3-0 lead, leaving New Zealand unable to win the series even with two matches remaining. The visitors will now look to maintain their momentum in the fourth T20I as they seek to complete a series whitewash.