India posts record 133-run stand to crush New Zealand in 13 overs

India chased down 198 in just 13.2 overs on Tuesday, finishing the match with two wickets in hand and two matches remaining in the five-game series. The visitors secured the series win with a performance that featured the most destructive opening partnership in Twenty20 International history.

Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi combined for 133 runs in only 7.1 overs. Their rapid accumulation overwhelmed the New Zealand bowling attack, reducing the hosts to a defensive posture before the innings had reached the halfway mark. The pair accelerated the chase to a point where the target became a formality.

Abhishek scored 113 off 38 balls, striking nine fours and 11 sixes. He fell to Kyle Jamieson after receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. By the time he was dismissed, India had already reached 178 for two in ten overs. Sooryavanshi added 45 off 19 balls, hitting four fours and four sixes to support his opener.

New Zealand set a total of 198 after winning the toss for the third consecutive match and choosing to bowl. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh used the seam to dismiss Tim Seifert for two runs top-edge. Daryl Mitchell then anchored the chase with 89 off 52 balls, hitting five fours and five sixes. Finn Allen contributed 40 off 25 balls, while Bevon Jacobs finished unbeaten on 39 off 23 deliveries.

Captain Shreyas Iyer praised the openers, noting he had never seen a century scored in five overs at the international level. He credited the pair for their exceptional approach to the pitch conditions. Abhishek explained that the team identified extra bounce during fielding, which allowed them to take early momentum. The next fixture is scheduled for Friday at Auckland's Eden Park.