India all-rounder Hardik Pandya once again reminded everyone why he remains one of the sharpest fielders in world cricket after producing a stunning catch to dismiss Devon Conway in the third T20I against New Zealand in Guwahati. The moment came early in the contest and instantly lifted the crowd, setting the tone for India in a must-watch clash of the five-match series.

Conway, opening the innings for New Zealand, attempted to take the aggressive route straightaway. On the third ball of the match, he went aerial but failed to time the shot cleanly. Positioned at mid-off, Pandya reacted in a flash, diving sharply to his left to complete a spectacular one-handed grab. The dismissal left New Zealand reeling at 6 for 1 at the end of the first over, handing India the perfect start.

The catch summed up Conway’s difficult tour of India so far. Apart from a solitary half-century in the opening ODI, the New Zealand opener has struggled for consistency across formats. His early exit in Guwahati only extended a lean run that has prevented him from making a meaningful impact in the T20I series.

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India, meanwhile, entered the third T20I with a 2-0 lead, having dominated the first two matches. With an opportunity to seal an unassailable advantage, captain Suryakumar Yadav opted to bowl first after winning the toss, banking on favourable chasing conditions and expected dew later in the evening.

WOW!

How about that for a catch from Hardik Pandya 😎

Wicket in the opening over for Harshit Rana 👏👏

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New Zealand’s problems deepened soon after Conway’s dismissal, as Rachin Ravindra departed cheaply. India’s fielding remained top-notch, with Ravi Bishnoi adding to the pressure by taking a sharp catch in the deep, further denting the visitors’ confidence.

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Explaining the decision at the toss, Suryakumar emphasised clarity and freedom in execution. He spoke about trusting instincts, maintaining good habits, and enjoying the game, while also highlighting the value of all-round options like Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Abhishek Sharma contributing with the ball when needed.

With momentum firmly on their side, India looked every bit a team in control—backed by sharp fielding, smart leadership, and a clear plan to dominate the series.