India produced a sensational batting performance to defeat New Zealand by six wickets in the third T20I at Wellington’s Henry Stadium on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 199 after New Zealand posted 198/3, the visitors reached 199/4 in just 13.2 overs, sealing victory with 40 balls to spare. Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi dominated the opening exchanges, putting together a remarkable partnership that helped India collect 118 runs in the powerplay.
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy reacted to India’s explosive display on social media, acknowledging the team’s quality while highlighting the conditions that favoured the batters. His comments also drew attention to the contrasting circumstances of West Indies’ recent series against India and the ongoing T20I contest in New Zealand.
“Wow…. That’s why I praised my team for what they accomplished in India. India is a dangerous team,” Sammy wrote on X. The former West Indies captain then outlined three factors that, in his view, influenced the contest: “1. Smaller boundaries 2. Batting paradise pitches 3. Wet ball for bowlers.”
Wow…. That’s why I praised my team for what they accomplished in India. India is a dangerous team. #justwow
1. Smaller boundaries
2. Batting paradise pitches
3. Wet ball for bowlers— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) October 27, 2026
Sammy’s observations focused on the challenges bowlers face when playing on batter-friendly surfaces, particularly when a wet ball makes it difficult to maintain control. The relatively short boundaries at Wellington also offered little margin for error, allowing attacking batters to capitalise on loose deliveries.
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Abhishek Sharma was the standout performer, smashing 113 runs off just 38 deliveries at a staggering strike rate of nearly 298. The left-handed opener reached his half-century in 15 balls before completing his century in only 35 deliveries. His innings included nine fours and 11 sixes, leaving the New Zealand bowlers struggling to contain India’s aggressive approach.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided equally valuable support at the other end, scoring 45 off 19 balls. Their opening partnership put India firmly in control before the middle order completed the chase. Naman Dhir struck the winning boundary off Kyle Jamieson, handing India a commanding victory and a 3-0 lead in the five-match series. India’s 118-run powerplay also established a new record for the highest powerplay total in men’s T20I cricket, surpassing Romania’s 116 against Serbia in 2021 and Australia’s 113/1 against Scotland.
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Sammy’s reaction came after West Indies had enjoyed a memorable recent tour of India. Their five-match T20I series finished 2-2 following a washout in Bengaluru on October 17, ending India’s 12-series winning streak at home. West Indies also produced two outstanding batting performances, chasing 250 in Ranchi with nine balls remaining and scoring 247/3 in Hyderabad. Shai Hope earned Player of the Series honours after registering two unbeaten centuries, including one off just 50 deliveries.
India’s record-breaking performance in Wellington further underlined their batting strength, although Sammy’s comments highlighted how conditions can influence the balance between bat and ball in T20 cricket.
