Thiruvananthapuram: India signed off the five-match T20 International series in style, crushing New Zealand by 46 runs in the final match to seal the series 4-1 at Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.
Batting first, India produced a breathtaking batting display to post a mammoth 271 for 5 in their 20 overs — one of their highest totals in T20I cricket. The innings was headlined by a scintillating century from Ishan Kishan, who smashed 103 off just 43 balls, striking the ball cleanly to all parts of the ground. He was well supported by captain Suryakumar Yadav, who continued his rich vein of form with a fluent half-century, as the duo added a brutal 137-run partnership.
Hardik Pandya provided the finishing touches with a rapid 42 off 17 deliveries, ensuring India finished with a daunting total on a batter-friendly surface.
Chasing an imposing target of 272, New Zealand began aggressively, with Finn Allen leading the counterattack. The visitors raced through the powerplay and looked in the hunt before India’s bowlers clawed their way back into the contest. Axar Patel triggered the collapse, while Arshdeep Singh produced a sensational comeback spell after an expensive start, finishing with a five-wicket haul that derailed the chase.
New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 225 in 19.4 overs, falling well short despite a valiant effort, as India completed a dominant victory.
The series belonged to captain Suryakumar Yadav, who was named Player of the Series after scoring 242 runs, while Ishan Kishan took home the Player of the Match award for his explosive hundred.
With momentum firmly on their side, India now shift focus to the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, while New Zealand take positives from a high-scoring series that tested both batting depth and bowling resilience.
Source: ESPN Cricinfo
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