Punjab Newsline,Sports:
India post record total in Thiruvananthapuram as all-round performance overwhelms visitors
India defeated New Zealand by 46 runs in the fifth and final T20 to seal the series 4–1. Playing at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, India opted to bat first and produced a breathtaking batting display, registering their highest-ever T20 International score against New Zealand.
The highlight of the Indian innings was Ishan Kishan’s explosive century. The left-hander smashed a sensational hundred off just 42 balls, dismantling the New Zealand bowling attack with his fearless strokeplay. Ishan played shots all around the ground and kept the run rate soaring throughout the innings. Riding on his blistering knock and useful contributions from the rest of the batting line-up, India piled up a massive 271 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs, setting an imposing target of 272 runs.
Chasing the huge total, New Zealand came out with attacking intent and showed fighting spirit. Opener Finn Allen led the charge with an impressive 80 off 38 balls, taking on the Indian bowlers and trying to keep the chase alive. Despite the aggressive approach, New Zealand kept losing wickets at regular intervals, which made the steep target increasingly difficult to achieve.
India’s bowlers held their nerve and delivered at crucial moments. Arshdeep Singh was the standout performer with the ball, producing a brilliant spell to claim five wickets and effectively break the backbone of New Zealand’s chase. Axar Patel provided excellent support, picking up three important wickets and applying pressure through the middle overs. Varun Chakravarthy and Rinku Singh chipped in with one wicket each.
In the end, New Zealand were restricted to 225 runs in 20 overs, falling well short of the target. India completed a comprehensive 46-run victory, underlining their dominance in the series.
With this emphatic win, India wrapped up the T20 series 4–1, delivering a memorable all-round performance in front of the home crowd.