India Bowlers Dominate as New Zealand Restricted to 153/9 in Guwahati

India produced a commanding all-round bowling performance to restrict New Zealand to 153 for 9 in 20 overs in the third T20I at Guwahati on Sunday, putting the hosts firmly on course for a series-clinching victory.

The tone was set early as debutant pacer Harshit Rana struck in the very first over, dismissing opener Devon Conway for just one run. Hardik Pandya capitalised immediately, removing Rachin Ravindra in the second over to leave New Zealand reeling inside the powerplay.

India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, playing his first game of the series, made an instant impact when he bowled Tim Seifert (12) with the opening delivery of his first over. Bumrah later returned to claim the key wickets of Mitchell Santner (27) and Kyle Jamieson (3), finishing with an impressive three-wicket haul.

A brief recovery came through Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips, who stitched together a 50-run partnership to steady the innings. However, the momentum was halted when Ravi Bishnoi, featuring in his first T20I in nearly a year, dismissed Chapman (32) off the final ball of his spell. Bishnoi went on to pick up two wickets, impressing with his control and variation.

Pandya continued to trouble the visitors, removing Daryl Mitchell (14) and contributing with a stunning catch in the opening over, underlining his all-round influence on the contest.

For New Zealand, Glenn Phillips top-scored with a fighting 48, but lacked support as wickets fell regularly at the other end. The visitors struggled to build sustained partnerships, ultimately finishing below par on a surface that offered good pace and bounce.

Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bowl, bringing Bumrah and Bishnoi into the playing XI while resting Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy. Leading the five-match series 2-0, the hosts entered the contest aiming to seal the series—and their bowlers delivered emphatically.

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