India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I: Bumrah Leads the Charge as New Zealand Post 153/9

India tightened their grip on the 3rd T20I with a sharp, disciplined bowling effort that left New Zealand scrambling to 153 for 9 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Sunday. With conditions settling nicely under lights, the total looks well within reach, giving the hosts a clear edge at the halfway stage of a match still very much alive.

Winning the toss, Suryakumar Yadav had no hesitation in bowling first, and his seamers responded instantly. Harshit Rana struck early, removing Devon Conway for just one, while Jasprit Bumrah set the tone with relentless accuracy. New Zealand’s top order never found its footing, slumping to 38 for 3 inside the powerplay as Tim Seifert and Rachin Ravindra also fell cheaply.

The visitors briefly steadied through Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman, who resisted with a controlled stand in the middle overs. Phillips, in particular, battled hard for his 48 off 40 balls, picking gaps rather than forcing the pace. Chapman supported him as the pair added 52 runs, New Zealand’s only meaningful partnership of the innings.

That stand ended once Ravi Bishnoi (2 for 18) was introduced. The leg-spinner changed the tempo immediately, removing both set batters and dragging the innings back under India’s control. 

Any hopes of a late surge were snuffed out by Bumrah’s return. Mixing sharp yorkers with clever changes of pace, he dismantled the lower order and closed out the innings with authority. His spell (3 for 7) ensured New Zealand never threatened to push beyond a competitive par score.

With 154 required to win and the pitch expected to play better for batting, India walks back with momentum firmly on their side.