IND vs NZ 5th T20I Match Highlights: In a spectacular display of power-hitting and clinical bowling, India dismantled New Zealand by 46 runs in the fifth and final T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium on Saturday.
With this victory, the Men in Blue capped off their T20 World Cup preparations by clinching the series 4-1.
The match belonged to Ishan Kishan, who silenced his critics with a maiden T20I century, and Arshdeep Singh, whose lethal spell in the death overs turned the tide back in India’s favor.
Kishan’s Carnage Sets a Mammoth Target
After winning the toss and electing to bat, India faced an early hiccup as home favorite Sanju Samson (6) and Abhishek Sharma (30) fell within the powerplay.
However, Ishan Kishan had other plans. Returning to the side with a point to prove, the southpaw unleashed a flurry of boundaries.
Kishan reached his century in just 42 balls, eventually finishing with a staggering 103 off 43 deliveries, including 10 towering sixes.
He was well-supported by skipper Suryakumar Yadav (63 off 30) and a late cameo from Hardik Pandya (42 off 17), propelling India to a massive 271/5—their third-highest total in T20I history.
Finn Allen’s Scare and New Zealand’s Collapse
Chasing a target of 272, New Zealand didn’t back down. Despite losing Tim Seifert in the first over to Arshdeep Singh, Finn Allen played one of the most aggressive innings of the series.
Allen smashed 80 off just 38 balls, taking the Kiwi score past 100 in just 8 overs.
At 131/1, New Zealand looked like they might pull off a miracle. However, the introduction of Axar Patel changed the complexion of the game.
Axar dismissed the dangerous Allen and Glenn Phillips in quick succession, triggering a middle-order collapse.
Arshdeep Singh: From Expensive to Heroic
Arshdeep Singh had a tough start, leaking 40 runs in his first two overs. But the left-arm pacer showed immense character, returning to pick up four more wickets in his second spell.
He finished with career-best figures of 5/51, becoming the standout performer with the ball.
The New Zealand lower order could not withstand the pressure, and the visitors were eventually bowled out for 225 in 19.4 overs.
Key Match Stats:
India: 271/5 (20 overs) - Ishan Kishan 103, Suryakumar Yadav 63.
New Zealand: 225 All Out (19.4 overs) - Finn Allen 80, Arshdeep Singh 5/51.
Result: India won by 46 runs.
Series: India wins 4-1.
Player of the Match: Ishan Kishan.
Player of the Series: Suryakumar Yadav.
Road to the World Cup
This series win serves as a major boost for India just a week before the T20 World Cup. The form of Ishan Kishan provides the management with a "happy headache" regarding the opening slot, while the bowling unit’s ability to defend high scores under pressure remains their biggest strength.
Brief Scores: India 271/5 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 103, Suryakumar Yadav 63, Hardik Pandya 42; Lockie Ferguson 2-41) beat New Zealand 225 in 19.4 overs (Finn Allen 80, Ish Sodhi 33; Arshdeep Singh 5-51, Axar Patel 3-33) by 46 runs
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