India produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat New Zealand by 46 runs in the fifth and final T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium, wrapping up the series 4-1 in style.
Asked to bat first, India posted a mammoth 271 for 5 – equalling their own record for the highest total in T20I history. The foundation was laid by explosive batting right from the outset, but it was Ishan Kishan who stole the show with an unbeaten 103 off just 43 deliveries. The left-hander smashed 10 sixes and 5 fours, tearing apart the New Zealand bowling attack in a breathtaking display of power-hitting.
Kishan’s innings ensured India maintained a scorching run rate throughout, finishing with a flurry of boundaries in the death overs that left the visitors chasing an imposing target on a batting-friendly surface.
In reply, New Zealand started aggressively, with Finn Allen leading the charge with a quickfire 80. At 117 for 1, the tourists appeared capable of mounting a serious challenge. However, Arshdeep Singh triggered a dramatic collapse with career-best figures of 5 for 51. The left-arm pacer’s variations and clever use of the yorker dismantled the middle and lower order, restricting New Zealand to 225 all out in 19.5 overs.
The result marks India’s fourth win in the five-match series, with New Zealand’s solitary victory coming in the rain-affected fourth game. The Men in Blue once again demonstrated their depth and dominance in the shortest format, blending aggressive batting with incisive pace bowling to overpower the Black Caps.
This series triumph adds another feather to India’s already impressive T20I record at home and sets a positive tone ahead of upcoming international assignments. For New Zealand, the tour ends on a disappointing note, but valuable lessons will be taken from competing against one of the world’s premier white-ball sides.
