Thiruvananthapuram | India vs New Zealand 5th T20I
India delivered a dominant all-round performance in the Ind vs NZ 5th T20I, crushing New Zealand by 46 runs to clinch the five-match T20 International series 4–1. The final match of the series turned into a one-sided spectacle as Ishan Kishan’s sensational century and Arshdeep Singh’s fiery five-wicket haul completely outplayed the visitors.
Batting first after winning the toss, India piled up a massive 271 for 5 in 20 overs-one of the highest team totals in T20I history. Despite a valiant counterattack from Finn Allen, New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 225 in 19.4 overs, falling well short of the daunting target.
Match Summary: Ind vs NZ 5th T20I
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| India vs New Zealand, 5th T20I | India won by 46 runs |
| Venue | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Series Result | India won 4–1 |
| Player of the Match | Ishan Kishan |
| Player of the Series | Suryakumar Yadav |
India’s Batting Masterclass Sets the Tone
India’s innings was headlined by Ishan Kishan, who played one of the finest knocks of his international career. Opening the innings, Kishan tore into the New Zealand bowling attack with fearless stroke play, mixing timing with brute power.
He reached his century in just 42 balls, eventually scoring 103 off 43 deliveries, smashing 6 fours and 10 sixes. Kishan’s innings ensured that India never lost momentum despite losing early wickets.
At the other end, Suryakumar Yadav, leading the side as captain, once again proved why he is regarded as one of the most destructive T20 batters in the world. Surya played a breathtaking knock of 63 off 30 balls, laced with 4 fours and 6 sixes, keeping the run rate sky-high through the middle overs.
India Batting Scorecard-Ind vs NZ 5th T20I
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ishan Kishan | 103 | 43 | 6 | 10 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 63 | 30 | 4 | 6 |
| Hardik Pandya | 42 | 17 | 1 | 4 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 30 | 16 | 4 | 2 |
| Sanju Samson | 6 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
India crossed 100 runs in just 9.5 overs, reached 150 in 12.4 overs, and raced past 200 in the 15.4th over, leaving New Zealand’s bowlers under relentless pressure.
Key Moments from India’s Innings
- Sanju Samson once again struggled for form, departing for 6.
- Abhishek Sharma provided an explosive start before falling for 30.
- Kishan and Suryakumar stitched together a brutal partnership that dismantled the Kiwi attack.
- Hardik Pandya’s late cameo added finishing touches, pushing India past 270.
New Zealand’s Uphill Chase
Chasing a mammoth target of 272, New Zealand knew they needed a perfect start-and Finn Allen tried to provide exactly that. After Tim Seifert fell early, Allen launched a stunning counterattack, smashing the Indian bowlers all around the park.
Allen reached his half-century in just 22 balls and continued his assault, eventually scoring 80 off 38 balls with 8 fours and 6 sixes. However, once Allen was dismissed, the chase began to unravel.
New Zealand Batting Highlights
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finn Allen | 80 | 38 | 8 | 6 |
| Rachin Ravindra | 30 | 17 | 2 | 2 |
| Daryl Mitchell | 26 | 12 | 2 | 2 |
| Bevon Jacobs | 7 | — | — | — |
Despite brief resistance from Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell, New Zealand kept losing wickets at regular intervals.
Arshdeep Singh’s Match-Winning Spell
The turning point of the Ind vs NZ 5th T20I came when Arshdeep Singh was introduced into the attack. The left-arm pacer produced a sensational spell, swinging the ball at pace and hitting the right lengths under pressure.
Arshdeep finished with figures of 5 wickets, dismantling the New Zealand middle and lower order. He was well supported by Axar Patel, who chipped in with three crucial wickets, ensuring the visitors never regained control of the chase.
India Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arshdeep Singh | — | — | 5 |
| Axar Patel | — | — | 3 |
| Others | — | — | 2 |
New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 225 in 19.4 overs, handing India a comprehensive 46-run victory.
Awards and Accolades
- Player of the Match: Ishan Kishan (103 off 43)
- Player of the Series: Suryakumar Yadav (242 runs, 3 fifties)
Suryakumar Yadav’s consistency throughout the series played a major role in India’s success, earning him the Man of the Series award.
Playing XIs-Ind vs NZ 5th T20I
India Playing XI
| India |
|---|
| Abhishek Sharma |
| Sanju Samson |
| Ishan Kishan |
| Suryakumar Yadav (C) |
| Shivam Dube |
| Hardik Pandya |
| Rinku Singh |
| Axar Patel |
| Arshdeep Singh |
| Varun Chakravarthy |
| Jasprit Bumrah |
New Zealand Playing XI
| New Zealand |
|---|
| Tim Seifert |
| Finn Allen |
| Rachin Ravindra |
| Daryl Mitchell |
| Glenn Phillips |
| Bevon Jacobs |
| Mitchell Santner (C) |
| Kyle Jamieson |
| Ish Sodhi |
| Lockie Ferguson |
| Jacob Duffy |
Read also: SA vs WI 2nd T20: Quinton de Kock’s Explosive Hundred Seals Series Victory for South Africa
Series Overview: India vs New Zealand T20I Series
| Match | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1st T20I | India |
| 2nd T20I | India |
| 3rd T20I | New Zealand |
| 4th T20I | India |
| 5th T20I | India |
Final Result: India won the series 4–1
Conclusion: A Statement Win for Team India
The Ind vs NZ 5th T20I was more than just a series decider-it was a statement of intent from Team India. With explosive batting at the top, depth in the middle order, and a lethal bowling attack, India showcased a complete T20 unit.
Ishan Kishan’s blistering century, Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership and consistency, and Arshdeep Singh’s match-winning bowling ensured that India finished the series on a high, leaving New Zealand with plenty to reflect on.
As India moves forward, this dominant performance will boost confidence and reinforce their reputation as one of the most dangerous teams in world T20 cricket.