Ishan Kishan takes a cheeky dig at Abhishek Sharma’s celebration after his 113-run blitz vs New Zealand

Ishan Kishan takes a cheeky dig at Abhishek Sharma’s celebration after his 113-run blitz vs New Zealand

Abhishek Sharma’s 38-Ball Century Powers India to T20I Series Win as Ishan Kishan’s Joke Goes Viral

Abhishek Sharma produced a stunning, match-winning performance as India defeated New Zealand in the third T20I at Wellington Regional Stadium. The explosive opener smashed 113 runs from just 38 deliveries, helping India chase a target of 199 in only 13.2 overs and secure the five-match series with two games still to play.

After the match, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) shared a light-hearted video featuring Abhishek and his India and franchise teammate Ishan Kishan. The clip captured the pair’s easy camaraderie—and gave fans a playful take on the left-hander’s trademark meditation celebration. The result was a social-media moment that complemented a performance already dominating cricket headlines and T20I prediction discussions.

Ishan Kishan’s Joke About Abhishek’s Meditation Celebration

Abhishek often celebrates a major innings by sitting in a meditation pose on the field. The gesture suggests calm and composure, even after a high-intensity display of boundary hitting. In SRH’s post-match video, Kishan turned that image into a joke, suggesting that Abhishek uses meditation to settle his own mind while unsettling the opposition’s mindset.

The quip was a fitting summary of the Wellington contest. New Zealand had posted a competitive total, but Abhishek’s relentless assault left the bowlers with little time to recover or change their plans. SRH captioned the video, “The irony, Abhi,” and fans quickly responded to the friendly exchange between the teammates.

The clip also offered a glimpse of the connection between two players who share both an international dressing room and an IPL association. For supporters, that off-field chemistry adds another dimension to a match defined by India’s remarkable run chase.

India Seal the Series with Two Matches Remaining

India entered the third T20I with a 2-0 advantage in the five-match series. Their victory in Wellington made the series result certain, giving the visitors an unassailable lead and leaving New Zealand to fight for pride in the remaining fixtures.

India could now aim to complete a 5-0 whitewash, although the final two matches will offer fresh challenges. New Zealand will have an opportunity to adjust its bowling approach and respond with the bat, while India may look to maintain its momentum and give more players opportunities. Any prediction about a clean sweep will depend on how both teams adapt after the decisive third match.

New Zealand’s total of 198 was built on useful contributions from Daryl Mitchell, who made 89, Finn Allen, who scored 40, and Bevon Jacobs, who added 39. The innings gave the hosts a platform that might have put pressure on many teams. For India, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy each claimed a wicket, but it was the batting response that ultimately defined the night.

Abhishek Sharma Turns the Chase into a Spectacle

India’s team management sent Abhishek out to open alongside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, with Sanju Samson moved to No. 3. The opening pair immediately put New Zealand under pressure, scoring freely during the powerplay and ensuring the required run rate never became a concern.

Sooryavanshi made a brisk 45 from 19 balls, striking eight boundaries, including four sixes. His aggressive start gave India early momentum and allowed Abhishek to continue attacking without needing to take unnecessary risks. The partnership rapidly changed the shape of the chase, turning a target of 199 into an attainable one.

Abhishek, however, took the innings to another level. He struck 11 sixes and nine fours on his way to 113, combining clean hitting with impressive control. His century came from just 38 balls, making it a decisive contribution as well as a landmark individual performance. India reached the target with 40 balls remaining, underlining the scale of the batting display.

Abhishek Adds to His Growing Six-Hitting Record

The 11 sixes Abhishek hit in Wellington placed his innings among the most prolific six-hitting performances in the format. The figures cited from the match record list his previous high as 13 sixes against England in Mumbai during the 2025 World Cup. He also struck 11 maximums against Afghanistan in Delhi earlier in 2026.

Other notable entries in the same list include Rohit Sharma’s 10 sixes against Sri Lanka in Indore in 2017, Sanju Samson’s 10 against South Africa in Durban in 2024, Tilak Varma’s 10 against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2024, and Ishan Kishan’s 10 against New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram in 2026. Abhishek’s Wellington effort therefore adds to an increasingly impressive record of powerful innings by Indian batters.

More significant than the numbers was the timing of the performance. A successful chase of nearly 200 runs can require a careful balance between aggression and risk. Abhishek’s innings supplied both: he attacked from the outset, but stayed at the crease long enough to ensure India finished the job. His knock earned him Player of the Match honours and strengthened his case as one of India’s most dangerous top-order options in T20 cricket.

What the Wellington Result Means for India

The third T20I delivered a clear statement about India’s batting depth and ability to chase a challenging total under pressure. Sooryavanshi’s rapid start and Abhishek’s record-setting century gave the team a commanding platform, while the series victory provides an opportunity to test combinations in the remaining matches.

For New Zealand, the defeat will prompt questions about how to contain India’s aggressive opening approach. A better start with the ball, tighter execution in the powerplay and more effective responses to boundary hitters could be essential if the hosts are to avoid a series whitewash.

For now, the spotlight belongs to Abhishek Sharma: the opener who dismantled a 199-run target in Wellington, celebrated with his familiar calm, and inspired a joke from Ishan Kishan that captured the night’s central irony. Abhishek may have looked meditative after the damage was done, but New Zealand’s bowlers had spent the evening trying to regain their composure.

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