India vs New Zealand 5th T20 turned into a spectacular run-fest and a bowling showcase as Team India crushed New Zealand by 46 runs in the final match of the series. With a stunning century from Ishan Kishan and a match-winning five-wicket haul from Arshdeep Singh, India signed off the series in dominant fashion, sealing a 4-1 victory and sending a strong message ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Played in front of an electrifying crowd in Thiruvananthapuram, the match had everything a cricket fan could ask for—explosive batting, dramatic wickets, and record-breaking performances. India not only entertained but also proved why they are considered one of the most dangerous T20 sides in the world right now.
India vs New Zealand 5th T20 Match Summary
- Match: India vs New Zealand 5th T20I
- Venue: Thiruvananthapuram
- Result: India won by 46 runs
- Series Result: India won 4-1
- Player of the Match: Ishan Kishan
- Player of the Series: Suryakumar Yadav
India chose to bat first after winning the toss, and that decision turned out to be perfect. The Indian batters came out with clear intent—attack from ball one and put the Kiwi bowlers under pressure.
Ishan Kishan’s Century Sets the Stage on Fire
If there was one moment that defined the India vs New Zealand 5th T20, it was Ishan Kishan’s breathtaking century. The left-hander played one of the finest T20I knocks by an Indian batter in recent times.
Kishan smashed:
- 103 runs off 43 balls
- 6 fours and 10 sixes
- Strike rate close to 240
- Fifty in 28 balls
- Century in just 42 deliveries
From the very beginning, Kishan looked confident and fearless. He attacked both pace and spin, finding boundaries at will. His timing was clean, and his shot selection showed maturity along with aggression.
The crowd erupted when he reached his maiden T20I hundred. Even former cricketers praised the knock as one to remember for a long time. It was not just about personal milestones—Kishan’s innings gave India a massive platform.
After the match, Kishan said his focus was on playing according to the ball and putting the team first. He emphasized that milestones are secondary if the team benefits from attacking cricket.
Strong Support from Suryakumar and Hardik
While Kishan grabbed the headlines, he received excellent support from the middle order.
Suryakumar Yadav – Mr. 360 in Action
Suryakumar Yadav continued his brilliant form with:
- 63 runs off 30 balls
- Innovative stroke play
- Control against both spin and pace
His ability to find gaps and play unconventional shots kept the scoreboard moving rapidly. The Kiwi bowlers struggled to contain him as he shifted gears effortlessly.
Hardik Pandya’s Finishing Touch
Hardik Pandya added the finishing punch with:
- 42 runs off just 17 balls
- Powerful hitting in the death overs
- Momentum-changing cameo
Thanks to these contributions, India posted a gigantic 271/5 in 20 overs, a total that instantly put New Zealand under massive pressure.
New Zealand’s Chase Begins with Fire
Chasing 272 was always going to be tough, but New Zealand showed early intent. Their opener Finn Allen played a fearless innings that briefly worried the Indian camp.
Finn Allen’s Explosive Knock
- 80 runs off 38 balls
- Multiple boundaries and sixes
- Aggressive powerplay batting
He attacked the Indian bowlers, especially in the early overs, and kept New Zealand in the hunt. One of Arshdeep Singh’s overs went for heavy runs as Allen unleashed his full range of shots.
At one stage, New Zealand looked dangerous. But T20 matches often turn quickly—and this one did too.
Arshdeep Singh Turns the Game Around
Just when New Zealand seemed to build momentum, Arshdeep Singh stepped up. The left-arm pacer delivered a spell that completely changed the match.
Arshdeep Singh’s Match-Winning Figures
- 5 wickets for 51 runs
- Maiden T20I five-wicket haul
- Key middle-order breakthroughs
His dismissal of Daryl Mitchell was particularly crucial. Mitchell tried a reverse scoop but ended up edging the ball onto the stumps. That wicket triggered a collapse.
Arshdeep mixed his pace smartly and used variations effectively. His calmness under pressure stood out. Every time New Zealand tried to recover, he struck again.
This performance firmly established him as a key weapon in India’s T20 bowling attack ahead of the World Cup.
Middle-Order Collapse Costs New Zealand
After Finn Allen’s dismissal, New Zealand struggled to maintain the required run rate. Wickets kept falling at regular intervals.
Key moments included:
- Allen caught at long-on
- Mitchell bowled by Arshdeep
- Lower order failing to build partnerships
Rinku Singh also chipped in with a wicket, removing Ish Sodhi and sealing the victory.
New Zealand eventually fell short by 46 runs, handing India a convincing win.
Suryakumar Yadav – Player of the Series
Suryakumar Yadav was named Player of the Series, and rightly so.
His Series Numbers
- 242 runs in 5 innings
- Average: 80.66
- Strike rate: 196.74
- Three half-centuries
He was the most consistent batter throughout the series. Whether setting targets or chasing, Suryakumar delivered.
After receiving the award, he spoke about patience, routines, and believing in his process. He mentioned that even during lean patches, he knew his time would come.
His words reflected the mindset of a mature leader who understands the ups and downs of sport.
What This Win Means for India
The India vs New Zealand 5th T20 was more than just a series finale. It was a statement before the T20 World Cup 2026.
Key Positives for India
Top-order firepower
Middle-order stability
Multiple bowling options
Players in form at the right time
Strong bench strength
India look balanced and confident. The team management will be pleased with how different players stepped up in different matches.
Concerns for New Zealand
Despite their fighting spirit, New Zealand have areas to work on:
- Bowling under pressure
- Death-over execution
- Middle-order stability
- Containing big hitters
They showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency across the series.
A Perfect Send-Off Before the World Cup
With the T20 World Cup just around the corner, this victory boosts India’s morale. Winning a series 4-1 against a strong side like New Zealand is never easy.
The team looks united, confident, and hungry for success. If their current form continues, they will be serious contenders for the World Cup title.
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conclusion
The India vs New Zealand 5th T20 had everything—records, drama, and memorable performances. Ishan Kishan’s century will be remembered as one of the most explosive T20I knocks by an Indian batter. Arshdeep Singh’s five-wicket haul proved that bowlers can still dominate in a batter-friendly format.
Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership and consistency added the finishing touch to a highly successful series.
For fans, it was pure entertainment. For India, it was preparation with purpose. And for New Zealand, it was a reminder of the challenges at the highest level.
As the cricketing world now turns its eyes to the T20 World Cup 2026, one thing is clear—India are ready.