Ishan Kishan produced a fireworks display at the Greenfield International Stadium, smashing his maiden T20I century in just 42 balls during the decisive 5th T20I against New Zealand. The swashbuckling left-hander finished with a blistering 103 off 43 balls (10 sixes and 6 fours), propelling India towards a massive 250+ total after captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and elected to bat first.
Key Moments from Ishan Kishan’s Masterclass
- Century in Record Time: Reached three figures with back-to-back sixes off Mitchell Santner in the 17th over – a moment of pure aggression!
- Fifty Milestone: Blasted his half-century off only 28 balls, setting the tone for an explosive middle phase.
- Devastating Over: Hammered Ish Sodhi for multiple boundaries and sixes, turning the match into a one-sided affair.
- Partnership Impact: Combined brilliantly with Suryakumar Yadav (63) and others, taking India to 226/3 by the 17th over before departing caught by Glenn Phillips off Jacob Duffy.
- Historic Achievement: Joined Rohit Sharma as only the second Indian to score centuries in both ODIs and T20Is against New Zealand, cementing his big-match credentials.
Sunil Gavaskar on air called it “an innings to savour and watch on loop,” as the crowd erupted in applause for Kishan’s dominant return after a minor niggle earlier in the series. This knock strengthens his claim for a prime spot in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 lineup, especially with competition heating up.
Match Overview: India vs New Zealand 5th T20I
With the series already in the bag, India unleashed their firepower in Thiruvananthapuram. Kishan’s onslaught, supported by contributions from Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya, left New Zealand’s bowlers – including Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson, and Mitchell Santner – reeling. India posted a commanding total, setting up a high-stakes chase for the Black Caps.
