{
  "id": 16747347,
  "title": "‘This combo feels so illegal’: Cricket fans react as Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi blitz NZ in 199-run chase",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/this-combo-feels-so-illegal-cricket-fans-react-as-abhishek-sharma-and",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-27T13:08:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/combo-feels-illegal-cricket-fans-130814777.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "India's Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi combined to score an incredible 118 runs in the powerplay against New Zealand, breaking the world record for the highest opening stand in T20 history. This incredible partnership came at the Henry Stadium in Wellington, where India chased down 199 runs in just 13.2 overs, securing a 3-0 series victory. The duo's aggressive batting style left fans and experts in awe, with many describing the combination as \"so illegal.\" The fast-scoring chase had New Zealand reeling, as their 198-run total was no match for India's blistering attack. Abhishek Sharma, who scored a century off 35 balls, was the star of the show, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi contributed with 45 runs. The pair's historic performance has sparked discussions about the future of India's batting lineup, with many speculating about what will happen in the fourth T20I against New Zealand at Eden Park.",
  "summary": "Cricket fans went crazy after Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smoked New Zealand in the 3rd T20I at Wellington, chasing 199 in just 13.2 overs.",
  "key_points": [
    "Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi score 118 runs in powerplay",
    "Highest opening stand in T20 history at Henry Stadium, Wellington",
    "India chases down 199 runs, securing 3-0 series victory over NZ"
  ],
  "editors_take": "This record-breaking opening partnership signals a shift toward extreme aggression in India's batting lineup that leaves opponents unable to defend even high totals in the T20 format.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}