- Hardik Pandya’s Stunning Catch Sends Devon Conway Packing Again

Originally posted on Cricfit | By Sarvang Bhola | Last updated Jan 26, 2026 12:35 AM ET

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya produced a sensational catch to send New Zealand opener Devon Conway back early during the third T20I at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday, January 25. The 31-year-old tracked the ball while running backwards and completed a full-length dive to pluck it out of the air.

Consequently, Conway departed for just one, handing the visitors an early blow in the opening over. The breakthrough came off the third delivery of New Zealand’s innings as Harshit Rana bowled a fuller-length ball angled across off stump.

Conway stepped out in an attempt to loft it over the infield towards mid-off, but the bat twisted in his hands, resulting in a mistimed stroke. The ball failed to carry beyond the inner circle, allowing Pandya to complete the catch and give the Men in Blue an early wicket.

You can watch the video here:

Harshit Rana sticks to his routine and dismisses Devon Conway for the 5th time this tour, capped off by a stunning catch from Hardik Pandya #INDvNZ, 3rd T20I | LIVE NOW https://t.co/YLbfrU7NU6 pic.twitter.com/evHWtQsJRr

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 25, 2026

With that wicket, Harshit Rana dismissed Devon Conway for the fifth time in the ongoing white-ball series, including three consecutive dismissals in the T20Is. The New Zealand opener had previously fallen for 0 and 19 in the first two matches.

India Hit Back Early As Harshit Rana And Hardik Pandya Strike In 3rd T20I

Harshit Rana and Hardik Pandya struck early after captain Suryakumar Yadav elected to field in the third T20I against New Zealand. Pandya removed Rachin Ravindra for 4 off 5 balls, leaving the visitors reeling at 13 for two inside the second over.

At the time of writing, New Zealand were 34 for two after five overs, with Glenn Phillips and Tim Seifert occupying the middle. India currently lead the five-match series 2–0, having secured a 48-run victory in the opening T20I before chasing down a target of 209 in just 15.2 overs to clinch the second game by seven wickets.

A win in this encounter would hand the Men in Blue another series triumph ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. As a result, Mitchell Santner’s side need a strong response to keep the series alive, with the visitors staring at the prospect of a fifth successive T20I series defeat against India.

This article first appeared on Cricfit and was syndicated with permission.

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