India batter Abhishek Sharma continued his red-hot form and went on to bring up his half-century after facing just 14 deliveries against New Zealand in the third T20I. He remained unbeaten on 68 runs from just 20 deliveries as the hosts made light-work of the 154-run target and chased it down in just 10 overs. The victory saw them take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.
Abhishek breaks 8-year-old record
While the 26-year-old did miss out on breaking his mentor Yuvraj Singh's record for the fastest half-century scored by an Indian, he did manage to beat a record that was previously held by both David Warner and Iftikhar Ahmed. Abhishek has now become the batter to score the fastest half-century against New Zealand in T20Is, breaking the previous record of 20 deliveries.
Players to score the fastest half-centuries against NZ in T20Is -
1. Abhishek Sharma (India) - 14 deliveries
2. David Warner (Australia) - 20 deliveries
3. Iftikhar Ahmed (Pakistan) - 20 deliveries
4. Ishan Kishan (India) - 21 deliveries
5. Cameron White (Australia) - 21 deliveries
6. Mitchell Marsh (Australia) - 21 deliveries
7. Eoin Morgan (England) - 21 deliveries
This knock once again highlighted why Abhishek is one of India's most important players when it comes to the shortest format. He has scored two half-centuries against New Zealand in the assignment so far and has played a key role in India clinching the series with two matches still left to play. His fearless approach and explosive batting style has made him a player on whom the Men in Blue rely on quite a bit.
Much-needed fifties for Suryakumar
Suryakumar Yadav regaining his form is another plus point for India heading into the T20 World Cup. The 35-year-old came into the series having not registered a 50+ score for more than a year. However, he has now scored two half-centuries in as many matches and has drastically improved his form. He first played an unbeaten knock of 82 in the second T20I against New Zealand before steering India to victory with a valiant inning of 57 in the third match. The two teams will be in action once for the fourth T20I that will be played on January 28 at the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakapatnam.