New Zealand batter <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/t20-world-cup-2026-daryl-mitchell-focused-on-semifinal-as-new-zealand-prepares-to-face-south-africa-23619054" rel="nofollow">Daryl Mitchell</a> offered high praise for Indian opener Abhishek Sharma's 'world-class hitting' ability.
Abhishek's blistering 38-ball 113 played a decisive role as India thrashed New Zealand by six wickets in Tuesday's third T20I, establishing an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the series.
Reflecting on the Indian opener's innings during the post-match press conference, Mitchell acknowledged the quality of <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/ipl-2026-abhishek-sharma-speaks-about-travis-head-influence-on-his-batting-23628014" rel="nofollow">Abhishek Sharma</a>'s knock.
"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 said. The New Zealand team was left admiring the spectacle from the field. "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 said.
<h2>Black Caps target strong finish ahead of Eden Park encounter</h2>
Despite the series deficit, Mitchell urged the Kiwis to show some fight in the upcoming fourth and fifth T20Is.&nbsp;
"The series has gone, but there are 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," he added.
Looking ahead to the next match, Mitchell expressed eagerness about stepping onto the field before a passionate home crowd.&nbsp;
"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. So, looking forward to that, and it should be good fun," he said.
Analysing the series gone by, Mitchell pointed to minor errors that proved costly at key junctures.
"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," he said.
"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 concluded.

Daryl Mitchell lauded Abhishek Sharma`s explosive 38-ball 113 in the third T20I while backing the Black Caps to respond strongly in the remaining fixtures


'One of the best in the world': Daryl Mitchell heaps praise on Abhishek Sharma

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Daryl Mitchell lauded Abhishek Sharma's explosive 38-ball 113 in the third T20I while backing the Black Caps to respond strongly in the remaining fixtures


Daryl Mitchell hails Abhishek Sharma's 'world-class' innings as India seal T20I series

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