A prediction about Wellington's pitch turned into a social-media talking point after India completed an extraordinary chase on October 27, 2026. Former opener Aakash Chopra had suggested that chasing more than 170 would be difficult, but Abhishek Sharma led India to a six-wicket victory in the third New Zealand vs India 2026/27 T20I.

New Zealand made 198/3 in 20 overs. India reached 199/4 in just 13.2 overs, with 40 balls remaining, and secured an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match series. The official ICC scorecard confirms those figures, correcting reports that listed India's total as 202/4.

Abhishek Sharma Powers Record New Zealand vs India Chase

Abhishek Sharma struck 113 from 38 balls, reaching his century in just 35 deliveries. His innings featured nine fours and 11 sixes, leaving New Zealand's bowlers with almost no opportunity to recover. Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi opened alongside him and made 45 off 19 balls. The pair added 133 runs from 43 deliveries for the first wicket, including 118 without loss in the six-over powerplay.

That powerplay total set a men's T20I record, according to Reuters. India completed what the ICC described as the second-fastest successful chase of a target of at least 190 in men's T20 internationals, measured by balls remaining. The result was less a last-over thriller than an unusually rapid batting performance.

Why the 170-Plus Tweet Drew Trolling

During New Zealand's innings, Aakash Chopra posted on X: “Looks like 170+ will be a tough chase today.” Once India raced to the target, fans shared jokes and memes about how badly that assessment had aged. In a subsequent ESPNcricinfo video, he jokingly claimed he had meant that chasing the total within 10 overs would be difficult.He then explained his actual thinking: the ball had moved off the pitch early, and commentators had noted difficult conditions and sideways wind.

According to The Times of India, Chopra acknowledged that India's openers had overwhelmed those conditions. He also suggested that social media often brings out the worst in people, responding to the criticism with humour rather than escalating the argument. His original post did not specify a 10-over target. The later explanation was a joke, not proof that his initial prediction had been misunderstood. The episode highlights how quickly live cricket predictions can look outdated after an exceptional innings.

One Pre-Match Selection Call Proved More Accurate

Before the game, Chopra had urged India's management to promote Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to the opening position after he batted lower down the order in the previous T20I. He had suggested opening with Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson and moving Abhishek to No. 3. India did promote the teenager, but paired him with Abhishek instead. The decision produced a 133-run opening partnership. Chopra had also favoured retaining three fast bowlers and continuing with Prince Yadav rather than rotating him with Mayank Yadav. Those pre-match recommendations offer a more complete picture of his analysis than the viral tweet alone.

New Zealand's 198 Could Not Protect the Series

The New Zealand vs India 2026/27 contest had looked competitive at the innings break. Daryl Mitchell scored an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls, with Finn Allen adding 40, to take the hosts to 198/3. India's openers erased the required run-rate pressure almost immediately. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner later acknowledged how difficult it was to stop the pair once they found their rhythm. The visitors reached 100 runs in five overs and dominated the powerplay. By the time the opening partnership ended, India needed only 66 more runs with nearly 13 overs available.

What Happens Next?

The New Zealand vs India series moves to Auckland for the fourth T20I on October 30, followed by the final match in Hamilton on November 1. India have already secured the series, leaving the last two matches to determine the final scoreline.

Abhishek Sharma's century and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's aggressive start will be remembered long after the reaction to Chopra's tweet fades. For cricket fans, the Wellington game offered an unusually sharp reminder that even a reasonable-looking pitch assessment can be overturned in a matter of overs.