India dominated New Zealand in the 5th T20I on January 31, 2026, at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, smashing 271/5 after winning the toss and batting first. Ishan Kishan’s maiden T20I century—103* off just 42 balls with 6 fours and 10 sixes—powered a record-breaking innings, leading to a comfortable chase and series-clinching victory.
Full Match Summary
India elected to bat on a batting paradise pitch, losing early wickets: Sanju Samson (2.5 ov) and Abhishek Sharma (4.6 ov), reaching 48/2. Ishan Kishan then unleashed havoc at No. 3, partnering Suryakumar Yadav (SA Yadav) for a game-changing 100-run third-wicket stand in 44 balls. Milestones flew: 50 in 5.4 overs, 100 in 9.5 overs, 150 in 12.4 overs. Powerplay yielded 54/2, and Kishan’s 50 came off 28 balls (3×4, 4×6).
The innings ended at 271/5 in 20 overs (RR ~13.5), with late cameos pushing boundaries. New Zealand chased but crumbled, all out for around 155/2 incomplete in reports (full NZ scorecard pending final updates), losing by 8+ wkts equivalent margin in a cruise. Hours: 19:00 start, drinks at 102/2 (10 ov).
Ishan Kishan’s Record-Shattering Century
Kishan walked in early and bossed the game, striking at 245.24. His 103* featured ruthless spin domination (back-to-back sixes for ton) and power against pace. Finished with unbeaten knock after dismissal tease, echoing his ODI double-ton vs NZ. Stats: 42 balls to 100, 10 massive sixes over leg-side. Crowd erupted; his form screams T20 World Cup spot.
Detailed Scorecard and Partnerships
Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Samson, 2.5 ov), 2-48 (Sharma, 4.6 ov). Key overs: Last 5 yielded high RR.
Bowling for NZ: JA Duffy, others leaked runs (e.g., 86/0 in 17.2 chase phase).
Bowling and Fielding Analysis
NZ attack: Spin-heavy but toothless—Santner/Sodhi targeted by Kishan. Pace like Jamieson/Ferguson conceded sixes; fielding saved some but drops cost. India bowlers (Axar Patel return, Varun Chakravarthy) wrapped quick NZ innings post-target. Slow over-rate penalty noted for one side.
Key Milestones and Records
- India: 150 in 12.4 ov (77 balls); Kishan 50 (28 balls).
- Fastest T20I 100 context: Kishan’s 42-ball entry elite list.
- Series: India 4-1 clinch; highest vs NZ T20I total.
- Rare: Kishan centuries vs NZ in ODI/T20I.
