Daryl Mitchell relieved after his six narrowly misses security guard’s head during NZ vs IND 2026 3rd T20I [Watch]

New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell experienced a moment of sheer panic before breathing a sigh of relief during Tuesday’s third T20I against India, when a powerful shot narrowly avoided hitting a stadium security guard on the boundary.

The incident took place off the opening delivery of the sixth over during New Zealand’s innings. Facing Indian left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh, Mitchell dispatched a short delivery with an aggressive, flat pull shot toward deep mid-wicket.

Traveling at ferocious speed, the ball rocketed toward the perimeter rope, heading directly toward a security steward stationed on duty. Facing the grandstand to monitor the crowd, the guard remained completely unaware of the projectile hurtling toward him from behind.

The ball whizzed past the steward’s head by mere inches, clearing the boundary cushions for six without causing injury.

Realizing the potential catastrophe as the ball left his bat, Mitchell immediately froze at the crease. He covered his face with his batting gloves in shock, closing his eyes as he braced for impact. Upon seeing the ball miss the guard, the all-rounder visibly gasped in relief, blowing out a heavy breath and pressing his hand to his chest before acknowledging his batting partner.

Watch the clip here:

Footage of the near-miss and Mitchell’s animated reaction quickly went viral on social media.

Daryl Mitchell’s fighting 50 guides New Zealand to a challenging total

New Zealand delivered a dominant batting performance in the third T20I in Wellington, posting an imposing 198 for 3 against India.

After losing opener Tim Seifert cheaply in the opening overs, Daryl Mitchell stepped up to anchor and elevate the Kiwi innings. Combining aggressive stroke play with calculated boundary-hitting, Mitchell forged a rapid counterattacking partnership with Finn Allen (40 off 25) to wrest momentum away from the Indian attack.

Mitchell reached his half-century in just 26 balls and continued to punish the bowling in the death overs alongside Bevon Jacobs.

Displaying trademark power and composure, Mitchell finished unbeaten on a match-defining 89 off 52 deliveries, laced with five boundaries and five towering sixes. His masterclass at the crease provided the backbone of New Zealand’s charge, setting India a steep target.

Edited by Ankush Das