Sharma’s 113 powers India to T20I series win over New Zealand

India chased down New Zealand’s 198 for three in 13.2 overs to win the third Twenty20 international and secure an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, with two games remaining. Abhishek Sharma led the pursuit with 113 runs from 38 balls, reaching his century in 35 deliveries. Sharma struck 11 sixes and nine fours as India finished at 202 for two. He and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who made 45 from 19 balls, put on 133 for the first wicket. India raced to 118 without loss in the six-over powerplay, then completed the chase with 40 balls remaining. Reports differed on whether India won by six or eight wickets, so the margin is not included here. New Zealand had been put in to bat and made 198 for three in 20 overs. Daryl Mitchell scored an unbeaten 89 from 52 balls, sharing an 86-run partnership with Finn Allen, who made 40, and an unbroken 75-run stand with Bevon Jacobs, who scored 39 not out. New Zealand added 52 runs in the final five overs. At the post-match press conference, Mitchell praised Sharma’s innings, describing some of his hitting as world-class and saying it was a special performance. Mitchell also said New Zealand had been confident about reaching 200 on the...