India defeated New Zealand by 168 runs in the third T20 International to wins the T20I series 2-1 thanks to an explosive hundred from opener Shubman Gill.
In an effort to reach a lofty goal, New Zealand lost their top order in the first five overs and were dismissed for 66 in 12.1 overs.
In the decisive game, Gill helped India to 234-4, their best T20 total against New Zealand, with an unbeaten 126 off 63 balls, supporting captain Hardik Pandya’s choice to bat first.
Ishan Kishan, India’s opening batsman, went out in the second over, but what came after was Gill’s batting mayhem. In the decisive game, Gill helped India to reach 234-4, their best T20 total against New Zealand. He supported Captain Hardik Pandya’s decision to bat first and scored an unbeaten 126 off 63 balls.
However, the day belonged to Gill, who has now struck a century in all three formats of international cricket. Rahul Tripathi made a quick-fire 44, while Pandya added 30.
Pandya (4-16) dismissed Glenn Phillips and Finn Allen for three runs each as New Zealand started their chase.
After Michael Bracewell’s middle stump was lost to Umran Malik’s quick bowling, New Zealand fell to 21-5. Arshdeep Singh then claimed two wickets in one over to further shock them.
In order to tighten the knot, Shivam Mavi dismissed Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi in his first over. Daryl Mitchell’s resolute 35 did not stop India from recording their most T20 victory in terms of runs. The previous three-match one-day series between the teams had been won by the hosts.