In a spectacular display of batting prowess, Ishan Kishan delivered a record-shattering performance that propelled India to a commanding 46-run victory over New Zealand in the T20 series finale at Thiruvananthapuram’s Greenfield International Stadium on Saturday. The emphatic win secured a comprehensive 4-1 series triumph for the hosts just weeks before the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup.
Returning to the lineup after missing the previous match due to minor injury concerns, Kishan unleashed an extraordinary assault on New Zealand’s bowling attack, hammering an astonishing 10 sixes on his way to a blistering 103 runs from just 43 deliveries. His explosive innings formed the cornerstone of India’s formidable total of 271-5, the highest team score in the series.
The left-handed batsman demonstrated particular ruthlessness against spinner Ish Sodhi during the 12th over, where he blasted four boundaries and two maximums in a seven-ball sequence that yielded 29 runs. Kishan’s dominant performance was complemented by captain Suryakumar Yadav, who contributed a powerful 63 runs including three consecutive sixes in a single Jacob Duffy over.
New Zealand’s response began promisingly with opener Finn Allen matching Kishan’s aggression, smashing six sixes in his 38-ball 80 that provided early momentum. Together with Rachin Ravindra (30), Allen forged a century partnership that kept the visitors competitive in the chase. However, the middle order collapsed under pressure from India’s varied bowling attack.
Seamer Arshdeep Singh emerged as the destruction chief with a career-best performance of 5-51, his first five-wicket haul in T20 Internationals. Spinner Axar Patel provided crucial support with figures of 3-33, including the vital wickets of Allen and Glenn Phillips that effectively derailed New Zealand’s pursuit.
The comprehensive victory not only sealed the series but also served as an emphatic statement of intent from the Indian team ahead of next month’s global tournament, demonstrating both batting firepower and bowling depth that will make them formidable contenders.