India won the final T20I against New Zealand to seal the series win by 4-1 on the back of Ishan Kishan’s heroic century.
In a high-octane finale to their T20 World Cup preparations, India and New Zealand clashed in the decisive fifth T20 International at Thiruvananthapuram. With the series already secured 3-1 by the hosts, this match transcended a mere dead rubber, serving as a vital final audition for both squads ahead of the global tournament.
While India sought definitive answers to lingering selection questions, New Zealand, bolstered by the return of explosive opener Finn Allen, aimed to salvage pride and momentum. The contest delivered on all fronts, culminating in a commanding 4-1 series victory for India, sealed by a 46-run win in a run-fest that showcased blistering individual brilliance.
For India, the most significant narrative was the emphatic resolution of the wicketkeeping conundrum. With Sanju Samson failing to capitalize on a hometown opportunity, managing only 6 runs, Ishan Kishan seized his moment with a breathtaking display.
Ishan Kishan Shifts Winning Momentum Towards India
Walking in early after the dismissal of the brisk Abhishek Sharma (30 off 16), Kishan transformed the innings with a career-defining knock. He forged a devastating 137-run partnership in just 58 balls with skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who blazed 63 off 30 deliveries.
Kishan, however, was the undisputed star, unleashing a barrage of boundaries to score a whirlwind 103 off a mere 43 balls, an innings decorated with six fours and ten colossal sixes. His assault, complemented by a fiery 42* off 17 from Hardik Pandya, propelled India to a mammoth total of 271, putting the game decisively in their favor.
New Zealand’s response, however, was ignited by the promised firepower of Finn Allen. The hard-hitting opener, fresh from Big Bash League exploits, lived up to his billing by launching a breathtaking counter-attack. He single-handedly kept the Blackcaps in the hunt with a scintillating 80 off 38 balls, smashing eight fours and six sixes.
ALSO READ | WATCH | Sanju Samson Fans Unveil 40-Foot Cutout Ahead of Trivandrum T20I
His dismissal at the end of the ninth over, trapped lbw by Axar Patel, proved the critical turning point. While Rachin Ravindra (30 off 17) and Daryl Mitchell (26 off 12) offered brief resistance, the Indian bowlers, led superbly by Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel, systematically dismantled the chase.
NZ Fail In Mega Chase
Despite an expensive start, left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh showcased remarkable composure to fight back and claim a five-wicket haul (5/51), including key scalps of Ravindra and Mitchell. His partner in crime, Axar Patel, was equally instrumental, delivering a controlled spell of 3/33 that included the priceless wickets of the dangerous Allen and Glenn Phillips.
This dual bowling effort effectively neutralized the early storm and triggered a collapse from which New Zealand could not recover. A late flourish from Ish Sodhi (33 off 15) was mere consolation as the visitors fell well short, bowled out for 225.
This article follows WicketWatcher’s editorial standards. Learn more in our Editorial Policy or report an issue via our Corrections Policy.