![Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. [Source - AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793098522308_AbhishekSharmaandVaibhavSooryavanshi.jpg?type=hq)
Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. [Source - AFP]
India produced a batting masterclass against New Zealand in the third T20I, with Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi launching a brutal assault on the bowlers. Their explosive start left even captain Shreyas Iyer amazed.
Chasing 199 in Wellington, the Indian openers stitched together a 133-run partnership, making the target look surprisingly easy. Abhishek smashed a 35-ball century as India stormed home by six wickets with 40 balls to spare.
Shreyas Iyer Reveals What Left Him Amazed About Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Shreyas Iyer was left in awe of the opening pair's extraordinary hitting during the post-match presentation. The India captain revealed that the conditions were not as easy as the openers made them look, with the ball swinging when he and Sanju Samson walked out to bat.
"It was pleasing to the eye. When me and Sanju went out, the ball was swinging and we were like, how did they (the openers) manage it. Getting 100 in five overs, I have not seen that before at the international level," Iyer said.
Iyer's words highlighted the remarkable difference between how the conditions felt to the middle-order batters and how the openers dominated them. While the ball was swinging, Abhishek and Vaibhav attacked fearlessly, leaving their captain in disbelief.
Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Make New Zealand Bowlers Beg For Mercy
Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wasted no time in putting New Zealand under pressure during the run chase. The duo attacked from the beginning, punishing loose deliveries and finding boundaries all around the ground as India raced towards the target.
Their 133-run opening partnership laid the foundation for India's remarkable victory, but the scoring rate made the stand even more special. India hammered 118 runs in the powerplay, setting a new record for the highest powerplay total in men's T20I cricket.
Abhishek continued his assault after Vaibhav's dismissal, smashing a stunning 35-ball century to seal India's six-wicket win with 40 balls to spare. The victory gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
