The 3rd T20 International between New Zealand and India was played on January 29, Wednesday at Seddon Park, Hamilton. India was on top and dominating the series by 2-0 before this match, and thus the New Zealand team needed to win the match. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to bowl first.
On batting first Indian opener Rahul and Rohit gave a brilliant start to the team and made a partnership of 89 runs in just 9 over. Rohit Sharma scored the most 65 runs from Indian side while captain Kohli also scored 38 runs and hence India gave a target of 180 runs to New Zealand. Kiwi bowler Bennett took 3 wickets.
When New Zealand came to chase the target, they looked positive and played cricket with a positive approach. Kiwi's captain Williamson controlled the game gently and played a beautiful inning of 95 runs in just 48 balls. Williamson played a captains knock and scored his best T20 score. But unfortunately, he got out in the last over of the match, and it was surprising to see that Kiwi's were unable to score only 9 runs in last over of Mohammed Shami.
New Zealand too scored 179 runs in their 20 overs due to which the match was tied and went into super over.
Captain Williamson and opener Guptill came to bat in super over from Kiwi’s side while Bumrah bowled the over. It was not a very good day for Bumrah, and he conceded 17 runs in super over. It was a big target of 18 runs for India and Rohit and Rahul were on the pitch while Tim Southee bowled for New Zealand. 10 runs were needed in last 2 balls of the over, and it was feeling like impossible for India, but then Rohit Sharma hit 2 huge sixes and done the job for India.
India won the 3rd dramatic T20 international, and with this win, India also won their first T20 International series in New Zealand.
Rohit Sharma was selected as player of the match award for his unbelievable performance.