India and New Zealand served up a high-octane spectacle in the 5th T20I at Thiruvananthapuram, where fireworks flowed from both innings. After Ishan Kishan’s breathtaking maiden T20I century powered India to a mammoth 271 for 5, Finn Allen responded with a fearless counterattack that briefly stunned the home crowd.
Ishan Kishan Produces a Statement Knock
eturning after missing the previous match due to a niggle, Ishan Kishan made an emphatic statement with the bat. The left-hander smashed 103 off just 43 balls, bringing up his maiden T20I hundred in only 42 deliveries.
Kishan was particularly ruthless against the spinners. Mitchell Santner, usually India’s tormentor, endured a torrid outing as Kishan dismantled him with sweeps, slog-sweeps, and lofted drives. Santner’s 17th over went for 25 runs, and he finished with figures of 1 for 60.
India were a modest 82 for 2 after nine overs, but what followed was pure carnage. The hosts plundered 189 runs in the final 11 overs, scoring at a jaw-dropping 17.18 runs per over.
SKY Back in Full Flow
Captain Suryakumar Yadav provided perfect support, smashing 63 off 30 balls. His innings featured trademark innovation and confidence, including a stunning straight six off a thigh-high full toss that delighted the crowd.
SKY’s fifty came off just 27 balls, marking his third half-century of the series and underlining his return to form at a crucial time ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Together, Kishan and SKY added 137 runs in just 58 balls, completely breaking the back of New Zealand’s bowling attack.
India’s Six-Hitting Frenzy
India finished with 23 sixes, the joint-most they have ever hit in a T20I innings. Hardik Pandya chipped in with a rapid 42 off 17, while Shivam Dube capped the innings with a six off the final ball.
Kyle Jamieson struggled with grip under dewy conditions, conceding 21 runs in the final over, including wides and a no-ball. India’s total of 271 for 5 became their third-highest score in T20I history.
Finn Allen Strikes Back Fearlessly
Facing a near-impossible chase, New Zealand came out swinging—and Finn Allen led the charge. Fresh off a stellar Big Bash League season where he topped the run charts, Allen carried that momentum into international cricket.
The right-hander raced to 37 off 14 balls, punishing Arshdeep Singh for a 23-run third over. His clean striking and fearless approach kept New Zealand in the contest early.
Allen then produced one of the shots of the match—a flat-bat six off Jasprit Bumrah, launched over long-on from a hard length ball. He followed it up by dismantling Varun Chakravarthy to bring up a 22-ball half-century, showcasing lightning-quick footwork and impeccable length judgment.
Historic Powerplay for New Zealand
New Zealand reached 79 for 1 at the end of the powerplay, their best-ever powerplay score against India in T20Is. Despite the daunting target, Allen’s assault briefly silenced the Thiruvananthapuram crowd.
However, the sheer size of India’s total meant New Zealand’s win probability remained under six percent, even during their explosive start.
Early Blow from Arshdeep
Earlier, Arshdeep Singh provided India with an early breakthrough, dismissing Tim Seifert in an eventful first over that also saw three boundaries and a wide. That wicket ensured India kept some control amid Allen’s onslaught.
Final Word
The match turned into a festival of runs, headlined by Ishan Kishan’s career-defining century and Finn Allen’s fearless reply. While the result leaned heavily in India’s favour, the contest delivered a timely reminder of the explosive talent on display from both sides as the T20 World Cup approaches.