Ishan Kishan’s Blazing Century Powers India to Series-Clinching 46-Run Win Over New Zealand in 5th T20I
India capped off a dominant home season in emphatic fashion as they crushed New Zealand by 46 runs in the 5th and final T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. Powered by a sensational century from Ishan Kishan and an explosive collective batting display, India posted a mammoth 271/5, the highest-ever T20I total at the venue, before restricting New Zealand to 225 in 19.4 overs.
The win sealed the five-match T20I series 4–1 in India’s favour and underlined the depth, firepower, and fearlessness of the hosts’ white-ball setup heading into a crucial year of international cricket.
India’s Batting Onslaught: Records Fall as Kishan Leads the Charge
After winning the toss, Suryakumar Yadav had no hesitation in batting first on a pristine Thiruvananthapuram surface. India’s intent was clear from ball one.
Abhishek Sharma (30 off 16) set the tone with fearless strokeplay before Lockie Ferguson provided New Zealand an early breakthrough. Sanju Samson fell cheaply, but what followed was a breathtaking display of modern T20 batting.
Kishan & SKY Unleash Carnage
Ishan Kishan produced one of the finest T20I innings by an Indian batter, smashing 103 off just 43 balls, laced with 10 towering sixes and 6 fours at a staggering strike rate of 239.53. He found a perfect partner in skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who played a trademark knock of 63 off 30 balls, manipulating gaps before launching into his signature aerial assaults.
The duo added 137 runs in just 9.3 overs, completely dismantling the New Zealand bowling attack. Ferguson was the pick of the bowlers with 2/41, but there was little respite as boundaries flowed freely to all parts of the ground.
Late-Over Brutality
If the middle overs were destructive, the death overs were ruthless.
Hardik Pandya (42 off 17) muscled the ball effortlessly, while cameos from Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube ensured India finished with a flourish. India plundered 86 runs in the last five overs, taking the total to a colossal 271/5, scoring at 13.55 runs per over.
New Zealand’s Spirited Chase Falls Short
Chasing an intimidating 272, New Zealand needed something extraordinary—and for a while, they threatened to deliver just that.
Finn Allen was at his destructive best, hammering 80 off 38 balls, while Rachin Ravindra provided solid support with 30 off 17. The Kiwis raced to 79/1 in the powerplay, keeping hopes alive.
However, the turning point came when India’s bowlers tightened the screws in the middle overs.
Arshdeep Singh Wrecks the Chase
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh delivered a match-defining spell, finishing with outstanding figures of 5/51. His timely wickets of Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Santner, and Jamieson broke New Zealand’s momentum just when they looked capable of mounting a historic chase.
Axar Patel (3/33) was equally impressive, controlling the run rate and striking at crucial junctures. Despite late fireworks from Ish Sodhi (33 off 15), New Zealand eventually folded for 225 in 19.4 overs.
Key Highlights & Records
- Highest T20I total at Thiruvananthapuram – India 271/5
- Ishan Kishan: Player of the Match for his blistering century
- Suryakumar Yadav: Player of the Series for consistent excellence
- India won the series 4–1, asserting home dominance
- Combined 496 runs scored – a run-fest for fans
What’s Next?
India’s convincing series victory sends a strong message ahead of upcoming ICC events, showcasing explosive batting depth and wicket-taking variety. For New Zealand, the tour offered valuable lessons as they look to regroup and strengthen their bowling combinations.
Final Result:
India beat New Zealand by 46 runs
Series Result: India won the 5-match T20I series 4–1
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