In a high-octane clash that lit up the Greenfield International Stadium, India powered their way to a resounding 46-run victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I, sealing the series 4-1.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the Men in Blue unleashed a batting blitzkrieg, posting a mammoth 271 – the third-highest total in T20I history for India.
The star of the show was opener Ishan Kishan, who smashed a blistering century off just 43 balls, laced with 10 towering sixes and six fours. His knock not only marked the fastest T20I hundred by an Indian against the Kiwis but also ranked as India’s fifth-quickest in the format overall. Abhishek Sharma provided early fireworks with a quickfire (30 off 16 deliveries), while Sanju Samson chipped in with a modest 6. Team India set a daunting target, leaving New Zealand reeling under pressure.
Despite their valiant efforts to chase 272, the Black Caps collapsed to 225 all out within 20 overs. Arshdeep Singh emerged as the bowling hero, claiming a maiden five-wicket haul in T20Is with figures of 5/51 in four overs. This performance ensured that he topped the series charts with eight wickets.
The series had seen India dominate early, winning the opener in Nagpur by 41 runs, the second by seven wickets, and the third in Guwahati by eight wickets. New Zealand salvaged pride with a 50-run win in the fourth at Visakhapatnam, but India’s firepower proved too much in the decider.
This triumph underscores India’s depth in white-ball cricket, setting a positive tone ahead of the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup starting on February 7.