IND vs NZ, 3rd T20I — Mitchell lauds Abhishek Sharma for world-class hitting

Abhishek’s century got India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. | Photo Credit: AP

New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell praised India opener Abhishek Sharma for his “world-class hitting” ability, but hoped his side could turn the tide in the remaining two T20Is of the five-match series.

Abhishek Sharma’s 38-ball 113 was instrumental in India dismantling New Zealand by six wickets in the third T20I on Tuesday, taking an unassailable 3-0 lead.

“A very special innings, I think. Some of that hitting was world-class, and that’s why he is one of the best in the world at what he does,” Mitchell told the post-match press conference.

“You take your hat off and say, well played. It was definitely his night, and I’m sure it’s one that people won’t forget for a long time,” he added.

However, Mitchell wanted the Kiwis to fight back in the fourth and fifth T20Is.

“The series has gone, but there’s still two games left for New Zealand. So, a lot to play for. It’s always very special playing for the Black Caps. It’s something you dream of as a little kid, to be sitting here and doing these things across all three formats.

“Look, a pretty much sold-out Eden Park (venue for 4th T20I) is going to be pretty special in about 48 hours or 72 hours’ time. So, looking forward to that, and it should be good fun,” he said.

Mitchell rued some silly errors that New Zealand made at crucial junctures in this series.

“There’re probably small moments in games we look back on and wish we could have done it again, which could have seen us 2-1 up if those moments had gone our way. But at the same time, we pride ourselves on our preparation, and we know this is a big summer for us ahead.

“We’ve obviously got ODIs and a couple of big Tests before we head off to Australia. So, yeah, it’s an exciting summer for us as Black Caps,” he noted.