Watch: Abhishek Sharma smashes 15-Ball fifty in India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I in Wellington

India opener Abhishek Sharma smashed a 15-ball half-century in the third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington on Tuesday. He gave India a flying start with his aggressive batting, helping the team reach 174/1 in just 9.4 overs while chasing New Zealand’s target of 199 runs.

India won the toss and elected to bowl first, with New Zealand posting 198/3 in their 20 overs. After winning the first two matches, India entered the third T20I looking to extend their lead in the five-match series. Abhishek’s explosive batting put New Zealand under pressure early in the chase.

India also created history by reaching 50 runs in just 14 balls, setting a new record for the fastest team fifty in men’s T20Is. Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi led the attack with their powerful hitting. 

Watch Abhishek’s explosive innings here:

Abhishek Sharma’s 15-ball fifty powers India’s 199 chase against New Zealand

Abhishek Sharma smashed a half-century off just 15 balls during India’s chase of 199 against New Zealand in the third T20I. The left-handed opener gave India a flying start, reaching the milestone as the team raced to 80 without loss in just 3.4 overs. His aggressive batting put New Zealand under immediate pressure.

Abhishek was unbeaten on 55 when India reached 80/0, while young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi supported him with an attacking 19 off just eight balls. The opening pair attacked the New Zealand bowlers from the start and scored runs at a rapid pace.

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New Zealand had posted 198/3 in their 20 overs, setting India a target of 199 to win. Abhishek and Sooryavanshi’s explosive start gave India strong momentum in the chase and kept the team on course for victory in the third T20I.

How the chase unfolded: Sooryavanshi’s support and New Zealand’s 198/3

India created history in the third T20I against New Zealand by reaching 50 runs in just 2.2 overs. Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi led the charge with their aggressive batting, helping India set a new record for the fastest team fifty in men’s T20Is. India’s previous record was 2.5 overs, achieved against the West Indies in Bengaluru just 10 days earlier.

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The latest achievement puts India among the teams with the fastest fifties in T20I cricket. Papua New Guinea against Vanuatu in Port Moresby in 2019 and Romania against Serbia in Sofia in 2021 also reached 50 runs in 2.2 overs. India joined them after its explosive start against New Zealand in Wellington in 2026.

Fastest Team 50s in T20Is (By Overs)

• 2.2 overs – Papua New Guinea vs Vanuatu, Port Moresby, 2019
• 2.2 overs – Romania vs Serbia, Sofia, 2021
• 2.2 overs – India vs New Zealand, Wellington, 2026
• 2.3 overs – Philippines vs Indonesia, Bali, 2023
• 2.4 overs – New Zealand vs Scotland, The Oval, 2009
• 2.4 overs – New Zealand vs England, Auckland, 2019
• 2.4 overs – South Africa vs West Indies, Centurion, 2023

What it means for the Series: India eye a win before the 4th T20I in Auckland on 30 October

India will look to build on their strong start in the third T20I against New Zealand and secure another win in the five-match series. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive batting has given the team early momentum in the chase of 199 runs. A victory would further strengthen India’s position in the series.

New Zealand will aim to fight back after India’s aggressive start put their bowlers under pressure. The hosts will need to take wickets quickly and stop India’s batters from maintaining their scoring rate. The result of the third T20I could play an important role in shaping the remainder of the series.

The two teams will next meet in the fourth T20I in Auckland on October 30. India will aim to carry their winning momentum into the match, while New Zealand will look to bounce back and keep the series competitive. Fans can expect another exciting contest as both teams prepare for the next encounter.