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Ishan Kishan smashed a breathtaking 42-ball century as India posted 271/5 against New Zealand in the fifth T20I. It was India’s third-highest T20I total, featuring relentless six-hitting and record-breaking batting.
India Sets a Mammoth Target in the Fifth T20I
New Delhi: In the fifth T20 international match against New Zealand, India delivered a stunning batting performance, putting up a colossal total of 271 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. This score stands as India’s third-highest total in T20 International cricket, underlining the team’s explosive form and batting depth.
Winning the toss and batting first, India’s approach was aggressive from the outset. The Indian batters dominated the New Zealand bowling attack, consistently finding boundaries and clearing the ropes with ease. The innings featured a remarkable display of power-hitting, with India smashing 23 sixes and 17 fours, leaving the opposition bowlers under immense pressure.
The highlight of the match was undoubtedly Ishan Kishan’s sensational century. The left-handed opener reached his hundred in just 42 balls, making it the fastest T20I century ever scored against New Zealand. Playing in Thiruvananthapuram, Kishan’s innings was a perfect blend of timing, brute force, and fearless strokeplay.
He finished with 103 runs off 43 deliveries, hammering 10 sixes and 6 fours during his knock. His ability to attack both pace and spin ensured that the momentum never dipped during the Indian innings. Kishan’s knock not only thrilled fans but also rewrote multiple records.
Kishan’s 42-ball hundred now ranks as the fifth-fastest T20I century by an Indian batter. Only Rohit Sharma, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Tilak Varma have reached the milestone quicker for India, placing Kishan in elite company.
India’s innings was further strengthened by impactful contributions from the middle order. Captain Suryakumar Yadav played a fluent knock of 63 runs off just 30 balls, while Hardik Pandya provided the finishing touches with a blazing 42 off 17 deliveries. Their cameos ensured that India maintained a run rate well above 13 runs per over throughout the innings.
The New Zealand bowlers struggled to contain the Indian onslaught. Three bowlers conceded more than 50 runs, with captain Mitchell Santner having a particularly tough outing, giving away 60 runs in his four overs. The relentless attacking intent from India left little room for recovery.
Overall, the match will be remembered as a landmark game for Indian batting, with Ishan Kishan’s fearless century standing out as a defining moment.
