Daryl Mitchell Praises Abhishek Sharma’s Explosive Century After India’s Series-Clinching Win Over New Zealand

WELLINGTON– New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell praised Indian opener Abhishek Sharma’s extraordinary batting performance after his blistering 113 off just 38 balls powered India to a series-clinching victory in the third T20 international at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Tuesday.

Mitchell acknowledged that Sharma’s aggressive innings proved decisive as India successfully chased a target of 199 runs, leaving New Zealand’s bowlers struggling to contain the Indian batting lineup.

Sharma received strong support from young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who contributed a rapid 45 off 19 deliveries, putting further pressure on the New Zealand attack.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mitchell said New Zealand had initially been confident that a total of around 200 would be difficult to chase because of the playing conditions.

“I think 200 on that (wicket); we were pretty confident with it. I think, obviously, we felt batting first, the ball was probably sitting in the pitch a little bit, and a bit of extra bounce.

“So, we were hoping that it would happen in the second innings, dew factor and all those sort of things. But at the same time, yeah, the way Abhishek played was pretty special. So, yeah, we’ll take our hat off to him and say well played and look forward to Eden Park,” Mitchell said.

The New Zealand all-rounder described Sharma’s performance as a memorable display of power hitting, acknowledging the Indian opener’s ability to dominate even when bowlers appeared to have favorable conditions.

“Very special innings. Some of that hitting was world-class, and that’s why he is one of the best in the world at what he does. So, yeah, you take your hat off and say ‘well played’. It was definitely his night, and, yeah, I’m sure it’s one that people won’t forget in a long time,” Mitchell said.

While Sharma’s century dominated the match, Mitchell also delivered an impressive batting performance for New Zealand, scoring an unbeaten 89 from 52 deliveries.

The innings marked Mitchell’s highest individual score in T20 internationals and demonstrated his growing comfort in a new batting position.

Mitchell has been promoted to No. 3 during the series after previously batting primarily at No. 5 or No. 6 for New Zealand.

He scored 28 off 19 balls in the opening T20 international, contributing to partnerships with Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips before producing his career-best performance in the third match.

Mitchell said the opportunity to bat higher in the order was an exciting development as New Zealand begins preparing for the next T20 World Cup in approximately two years.

“It’s nice to contribute. I think, to be up at that three spot is something I haven’t done a hell of a lot for New Zealand. So it’s really exciting, me leading into a T20 World Cup in two years. But, yeah, I think it’s nice to contribute (in the) first game. A great partnership and sort of set the tone early. And then to do it again tonight, it’s pleasing, two out of three. You always take that, so we’ll keep chipping away,” Mitchell said.

New Zealand entered the series having played limited T20 international cricket in recent months, with the team’s previous matches in the format taking place in May.

Despite India’s series-clinching victory, Mitchell suggested that New Zealand had been competitive and could have held a 2-1 advantage if a few crucial moments had gone differently.

He emphasized that the team remains focused on improving its performances and building momentum ahead of a demanding international schedule.

“I guess we haven’t played a lot as a group in the last few months; there’s probably small moments at games we look back on that we wish we could have again, which we could be 2-1 up if those moments went our way. But, at the same time, we pride ourselves on our preparation, and we know this is a big summer for us ahead of us.

“We’ve obviously got five ODIs and a couple of big tests before we head off to Australia as well. So, yeah, it’s an exciting summer for us as Blackcaps, and it’s cool just to see the whole country, I guess, get behind us and the crowds that are coming,” he added.

New Zealand’s upcoming schedule includes five one-day internationals and two Test matches following the current five-match T20 series against India.

The Blackcaps are also scheduled to travel to Australia for a four-Test series as part of a busy international season.

For Mitchell, the immediate focus remains on recovering from the defeat and preparing for the next T20 encounter at Eden Park.

Although New Zealand will look to regroup, Mitchell made clear that Sharma’s remarkable century deserved recognition as one of the standout performances of the series. (Source: IANS)