In a spectacular display of power-hitting, Team India posted their third-highest T20I total of 271/5 in 20 overs against New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium.
Led by Ishan Kishan’s explosive maiden T20I century, the hosts have set a mammoth target of 272 for the Kiwis, who are chasing a consolation win in a series already clinched by India 3-1. The innings break has left fans buzzing, with India’s aggressive approach underlining their dominance in the format.
Winning the toss and electing to bat on a batsman-friendly pitch, India got off to a brisk start but lost early wickets. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson provided fireworks initially, but both fell to Lockie Ferguson in quick succession. Sharma smashed 30 off 16 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, before being bowled, while Samson managed just 6 off 6, caught by Bevon Jacobs. At 48/2 after 4.6 overs, the innings could have stalled, but what followed was a masterclass in T20 batting.
Ishan Kishan, promoted up the order, unleashed a ferocious assault on the New Zealand bowlers. The left-hander raced to his fifty in just 28 balls and brought up his century in a blistering 42 deliveries – the fastest by an Indian in T20Is against New Zealand.
Kishan finished with 103 off 43 balls, studded with 6 fours and 10 sixes, at a strike rate of 239.53. His partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav was the highlight, adding 137 runs for the third wicket in just 57 balls. Yadav contributed a rapid 63 off 30, with 4 fours and 6 sixes, before being stumped by Tim Seifert off Mitchell Santner.
Hardik Pandya then took over, blasting 42 off 17 balls (1 four, 4 sixes) to keep the momentum going. He formed a quick 48-run stand with Kishan before both departed in the death overs – Kishan caught by Glenn Phillips off Jacob Duffy, and Pandya caught by Jacobs off Kyle Jamieson. Rinku Singh (8* off 8) and Shivam Dube (7* off 2, including a six) provided the finishing touches, with the last over yielding 21 runs despite Pandya’s dismissal.
New Zealand’s bowlers struggled throughout, with Lockie Ferguson (2/41 in 4 overs) being the pick, while others like Kyle Jamieson (1/59), Jacob Duffy (1/53), and Mitchell Santner (1/60) leaked runs at alarming rates. The Kiwis conceded 12 extras, including 10 wides and 2 no-balls, adding to their woes.
Key milestones included India reaching 50 in 5.4 overs, 100 in 9.5, 150 in 12.4, 200 in 15.4, and 250 in 18.6 overs. The powerplay yielded 54/2, but the middle overs exploded with 147 runs for just one wicket between overs 7-16.
As the match resumes, New Zealand faces an uphill task against India’s potent bowling attack, led by Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah. A win here would cap off a dominant series for India, who have showcased their depth and firepower ahead of upcoming global events. Stay tuned for the chase!
