India delivered a remarkable batting performance in the third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington, chasing down a target of 199 in just 13.2 overs on Tuesday, October 27. Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik was left impressed by the team’s dominance, describing their performance as exceptional and highlighting the growing gap between India and other international sides in T20 cricket. New Zealand had posted 198/3 after being asked to bat first, with Daryl Mitchell leading the innings through an unbeaten 89 off 52 deliveries.
However, the hosts’ total proved insufficient as Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi launched an extraordinary assault during the powerplay, scoring 118 runs without losing a wicket. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik praised India’s commanding display and stressed that the team had demonstrated why they are considered the leading side in the format. “What we have seen today is exceptional, to say the least. This is the No. 1-ranked team in the world, showing the rest of the cricketing nations why they are notches ahead of anybody even close to them,” Karthik said.
He also pointed out that New Zealand had reached the final of the 2026 T20 World Cup before India defeated them by 96 runs at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium in March. According to Karthik, India’s latest performance further underlined their superiority, as the visitors dominated the contest despite playing away from home.
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Dinesh Karthik was particularly impressed by Abhishek Sharma’s fearless approach at the top of the order. The left-handed batter smashed 113 runs off just 38 balls, reaching his half-century in 15 deliveries and completing his fourth T20I century in only 35 balls. His innings featured nine fours and 11 sixes, putting New Zealand’s bowling attack under relentless pressure. “By now, we should be used to what he (Abhishek Sharma) can do in a powerplay. He goes after bowlers without any inhibitions whatsoever. He is making it a habit to get us off to great starts,” Karthik added.
The former wicketkeeper-batter explained that India’s explosive start had effectively taken the contest away from New Zealand within the opening overs. India reached 50 in just 2.2 overs and crossed the 100-run mark in five overs, leaving the home side struggling to find a response.
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also played a crucial role, scoring 45 off 19 balls after being promoted to open in place of Sanju Samson. Samson contributed 18, while captain Shreyas Iyer managed five. New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson finished with figures of 2/45.
Dinesh Karthik, however, also criticised New Zealand’s bowling strategy, particularly their decision to continue offering width despite India’s dominance on the off side. Jacob Duffy conceded 26 runs in the opening over, giving India immediate momentum. “We should laud how well India batted, but I thought New Zealand bowled poorly. They were getting hit to one side of the ground, the off side. But they kept giving width,” Karthik observed, questioning the guidance provided by New Zealand’s bowling coach and support staff.
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India completed the chase with 40 balls remaining, recording the second-fastest successful chase of a target of 190 or more in men’s T20I cricket, behind Estonia’s chase against Cyprus in 2024. The victory gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, with the fourth T20I scheduled in Auckland on Friday, October 30.
