Abhishek Sharma 14-ball Fifty came at a time when India was at top of every stage of the show. On the one hand, Indian bowlers choked the batting of New Zealand and on the other hand, Indian top order wiped out the target in such a speed that the visiting team hardly had time to assemble. It was already half deceit of New Zealand to have 153 on a good batting surface. The pursuit had made it, however, a rout, with ten overs to spare.
India made an instant first strike with the ball. Harshit Rana scored in the first over and carried on with his tradition of breaking through early on and a minute later, Jasprit Bumrah would score an early dismissal, squashing the off stump and wrecking the early New Zealand optimism. The blow combination shut the visitors onto the back foot and though Glenn Phillips tried to fight back, India bowlers could not loosen their grip.
The two men who came back in the XI, Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi,hence this particular match, were proof as to why the depth of the bowling options available to India continue to inspire envy in world cricket. The speed of Bumrah, his precision and his movement were insatiable and there was no doubt with the variations of Bishnoi and his skiddy pace in the air. New Zealand had to give up only one run on the fifth over of Bishnoi and this signaled their downfall at the most opportune moment when they could not build momentum during the powerplay.
New Zealand however attempted to put up a fight with Phillips and Mark Chapman and they attempted to stitch together a short lived union which was appearing to promise a competitive overall. That opposition could not long last. A quick blow by Bishnoi forced his way and Chapman could do no more than nip around the edges, and a wicket would fall at frequent intervals. Hardik Pandya also contribute by delivering intelligent short balls and the fielding intensity of India did not reverse. The late cameo of Mitchell Santner earned New Zealand over 150 but it did not feel that it was anywhere close to what was needed against an Indian lineup that was full of confidence.
Abhishek Sharma 14-ball fifty would then turn the chase into a highlight reel. India had lost Sanju Samson early to a golden duck but any hope that New Zealand used momentarily had been destroyed by the rapidness of the reaction. Ishan Kishan was almost at Matt Henry, and then Abhishek charged Jacob Duffy, and sent him flying over the ropes with the first delivery. That was the atmosphere of the night fearless, aggressive, and completely one-sided.
The union between Abhishek and Kishan flew away at an unbelievable speed. Germs flowed in every direction, and at Abhishek especially was malice very stern to schemes looking to choke him in the pads. He merely moved aside, made space and struck over the off side with ease. This was momentarily checked by the dismissal of Kishan, who had already gone, but before that the damage was irredeemably committed. The rate of striking already attained the borders of absurdity in Abhishek.
Abhishek Sharma 14-ball fifty came within the powerplay as it was the second-fastest T20I half-century in Israeli history and New Zealand was in need of solutions that were nonexistent. By the time he made it up the landmark India were making threats on their own highest all-time total of powerplays, falling short by a mere single run. The fact that Abhishek dismantled the bowling attack much easier was a powerful message as to how well India can bat outside of their first-choice XI.
This was followed by Suryakumar Yadav making sure that there is no late stumble. Unwinding his trademark flicks and sweeps, the captain continued his comeback to form and practised with liberty and authority, and caught the off side with accuracy in addition. His never-before defeated 57 on 26 balls fitted Abhishek well, and their duo led India to the goal devoid of drama, urgency and danger.
The larger meaning of this victory can be overlooked. The 11 th straight series or tournament triumph of T20Is, India, has been a show of consistent greatness, created not only on the shoulder of superstars but the depth of the squad. This 3-0 victory in which players not in the first-choice team are taking the place of the first-choice team is a strong message to the competitors before major tournaments.
To sum up, 14-ball fifty by Abhishek Sharma was the ultimate picture of a night, which India demonstrated their current superiority and future potential. Two matches remain, but so far the series is finalized, competitions, confidence and clarity are still being enjoyed and developed through the performances. In the case of New Zealand, it was another lesson of the distance that they needed to close. To India it was a resounding move in the direction of an era of unfading T2O domination.
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