Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 31: Ishan Kishan produced a blistering maiden T20I century as India piled up a mammoth 271 for 5 against New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium here on Saturday.
Kishan smashed 103 off just 43 balls, hammering six fours and 10 sixes, as India put on a ruthless batting show after opting to bat first.
India began briskly with Abhishek Sharma cracking 30 off 16 balls before falling early. Sanju Samson once again failed to convert his start, departing for 6 off 6.
The innings was then held together by a dominant 137-run partnership for the third wicket between Kishan and skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who played an equally aggressive knock of 63 off 30 balls to keep the run-rate soaring.
Finisher Hardik Pandya added further firepower with a quick 42 off 17 deliveries, ensuring India crossed the 270-mark in emphatic fashion.
Kishan’s explosive knock not only put India firmly in control of the contest but also strengthened his case as a key player in the shortest format ahead of the T20 World Cup.
India’s total of 271/5 is among their highest-ever in T20Is, leaving New Zealand with a steep chase in the series decider.
Teams:
New Zealand (Playing XI): Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy
India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah