IND vs NZ, 3rd T20I: Best memes from the game

Team India annihilated New Zealand in the third and final T20I match, thereby clinching the series 2-1, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Hardik Pandya-led India emerged victorious in the series decider by 168 runs courtesy of an all-round performance by the unit.

Leading to the match, both the sides were leveled in the series 1-1 after a dominating victory by the home team in Lucknow. Obtaining a win in the final T20I is what both teams were on the lookout for in Ahmedabad.

It was India skipper, Hardik Pandya, who won the toss and decided to bat first in the contest. Despite the fall of Ishan Kishan early on in the match, Rahul Tripathi, and Shubman Gill lit up the Ahmedabad crowd as the duo smashed the rival bowlers to take back control in the contest.

Tripathi and Gill setup an 80-run partnership which got the side back on track before the former was sent packing for 44 runs from 22 balls. What followed was a masterclass from Gill as he notched up his maiden century in just 54 balls coupled with a well-built 103-run partnership with skipper Hardik to attain a mammoth total of 234 runs in their stipulated 20 overs of the contest.

Early breakthroughs jolt New Zealand in run chase

In response to the massive total, the Kiwis required a similar sort of an innings in order to stay at par to chase down the score. However, the Indian bowling unit worked in tandem to deck the rival batting line-up and mount more pressure.

After dominating thoroughly with the bat, the bowling unit too continued to assert their dominance and got wickets in quick time. Skittling out the visitors for mere 66 runs, India registered the biggest win by runs (168) against New Zealand as the home side clinched the series 2-1. 

Hardik relished a four-wicket haul whereas pacer trio Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, and Shivam Mavi scalped two wickets each to wrap up the contest.

A sensational batting performance in the first innings led by Shubman Gill’s century (126* runs) coupled with brief cameos from Rahul Tripathi, Suryakumar and Hardik Pandya steered the side to post the mammoth total. In response, the rival side desperately required a similar batting performance on their part to stay on course to chase the total, however, failed to get a decent head start as the side lost early wickets. 

With the pressure mounting at regular intervals, the BlackCaps succumbed to it thereby handing a massive win to the hosts. Following the majestic win, the Men in Blue will shift their focus onto the red-ball series against fierce rivals Australia with the first Test to be played on February 9. 

Here are the best memes from the game-