India vs New Zealand 5th T20I Match Report: India Seal Series 4

A High-Octane Finish to an Explosive Series

Cricket lovers witnessed a spectacular finale to the India vs New Zealand five-match T20I series as India delivered an unforgettable batting masterclass to close the series with a resounding win. In a game filled with big shots, powerful partnerships and tactical bowling, India displayed the perfect balance of aggression and control — the hallmark of top-tier T20 cricket.

From Ishan Kishan’s brilliant maiden T20I century to explosive cameos and key bowling strikes, this match had it all. And when the smoke settled, India emerged victorious with another dominant performance. Let’s break down this epic clash in full detail.

India vs New Zealand 5th T20 International

India vs New Zealand 5th T20I — Match Summary

Venue: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
Date: January 31, 2026
Result: India won by 46 runs
Series Result: India won the series 4–1

India Innings Summary

India won the toss and elected to bat first, turning Thiruvananthapuram’s wicket into a batting paradise. The Indian lineup exploded from start to finish, amassing a massive total through fearless strokeplay and excellent partnerships.

The biggest highlight of the innings was Ishan Kishan’s blistering maiden T20I century, scoring 103 runs off just 43 balls with a stunning array of sixes and fours that kept the crowd on its feet.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav played a key supporting role with a quickfire 63 off 30 balls, forming a destructive 137-run partnership with Kishan that shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favour.

Earlier, Abhishek Sharma got India off to a flying start with a brisk 30, while Sanju Samson fell cheaply again, adding pressure early before India’s batsmen took control.

Inning Scorecard (India Batting):

Team	Score
India	271/5 (20 overs)

Ishan Kishan: 103 (43)
Suryakumar Yadav (c): 63 (30)
Hardik Pandya: 42(17)
Abhishek Sharma: 30 (16)

India finished on a huge total of 271 for 5 in their 20 overs, one of their highest in T20Is, setting a daunting target for the Kiwis.

New Zealand Innings Summary

Chasing a massive 272 to win, New Zealand got off to a flying start thanks to an attacking innings by Finn Allen, who scored 80 off 38 balls. His aggressive approach kept hope alive early.

However, India’s bowlers struck back with controlled perseverance. Arshdeep Singh was the star with the ball, finishing with 5 crucial wickets to slow the Kiwi chase and break partnerships at vital moments.

Alongside Arshdeep, Axar Patel also played a key role, picking up 3 important wickets to keep the scoring in check and apply sustained pressure.

Despite Ish Sodhi’s quick 33, New Zealand couldn’t keep up with the steep required run rate, and India’s bowlers continuously struck to slow down the momentum.

Inning Scorecard (New Zealand Batting):

Team	Score
New Zealand	225/5 (19.4 overs)

Finn Allen: 80 (38)
Ish Sodhi: 33 (15)

Key Stats from Both Innings

Category	Best Performances
Top India Batter	Ishan Kishan 103 (43)
Second Top India Batter	Suryakumar Yadav 63 (30)
Top NZ Batter	Finn Allen 80 (38)
Best India Bowler	Arshdeep Singh 5 wickets
Supporting India Bowler	Axar Patel 3 wickets

Match Highlights (Narrative)

India Batting: A Spectacular Display

India’s innings was built on fearless intent from the start. After a brisk beginning, the Kishan–Suryakumar partnership took the game away from New Zealand.

Kishan’s century was a masterclass in T20 aggression — punishing bowling at every opportunity with crisp timing and big hits across the park. His knock included over ten towering sixes and kept the pressure on the chasing side throughout.

Suryakumar Yadav matched the aggression, carving the field with elegant boundaries and big hits, helping India build one of the most impressive totals in recent T20Is.

New Zealand Chase: Fight Back but Not Enough

New Zealand’s response was led by Finn Allen’s enterprising innings, which threatened to take the game into the balance. However, India’s bowlers had answers.

Arshdeep Singh turned the tide with key strikes, picking out regular dismissals and breaking rhythm. Axar Patel’s economical bowling complemented the attack perfectly, ensuring New Zealand never got comfortable.

Despite some resistance, India’s disciplined performance with the ball kept the chase out of reach.

Conclusion: India End Series in Style

India sealed the series 4–1 with a commanding all-around performance in the final match. A powerful batting performance backed by clinical bowling highlighted India’s depth and T20 capability. The combination of Kishan and Suryakumar provided fireworks with the bat, while Arshdeep and Axar led the bowling effort with control and precision.

For cricket fans, this was an exhibition of modern T20 brilliance — aggressive runs, calculated partnerships, and impactful bowling under pressure.

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Prashant

Hi, I’m Prashant Jain — a curious soul, storyteller, and content creator at heart.I’ve always been drawn to the world of entertainment, travel, sports, health & lifestyle — not just as a writer, but as someone who genuinely lives these experiences. Whether I’m binge-watching the latest OTT series, exploring offbeat spiritual destinations in India, or diving deep into wellness routines and cricket match insights, I love sharing what I discover with like-minded readers.
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