Ishan Kishan's ton, Axar's key wickets help India wrap T20I series vs NZ 4-1

Thiruvananthapuram: India cricket team produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat New Zealand by 46 runs in the fifth and final T20 International played on Saturday, thereby sealing the five-match series 4-1.

A scintillating century from Ishan Kishan (103 off 43 balls, 6x4s, 10x6s) and a decisive three-wicket haul from Axar Patel (3/33) powered India. The match, packed with momentum swings and standout individual efforts, also saw contrasting spells for India’s bowlers and a valiant counterattack from New Zealand’s Finn Allen.

Batting first, India were propelled by a sensational knock from Ishan Kishan, who struck a brilliant hundred to anchor the innings. India made 271/5 in 20 overs. Kishan cleared the ropes with ease as he dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack.

His innings provided the backbone for India’s total and ensured the hosts maintained a brisk scoring rate throughout. Even a line outside the off-stump by the spinners did not deter him as he moved out to get to the room. Hardik Pandya added the finishing touches with a blistering cameo, smashing 42 runs off just 17 deliveries.

Pandya’s late assault, featuring powerful strokes down the ground and over midwicket, pushed India to a formidable total and swung the momentum firmly in their favour heading into the second innings. In response, Finn Allen mounted a spirited fightback with an impressive 80-run knock as New Zealand matched the required run rate throughout the first 10 overs.

Allen played fearlessly, taking on the Indian bowlers and keeping New Zealand in the chase with a flurry of boundaries and clean hitting. India’s bowling effort, however, was not without its challenges.

Jasprit Bumrah endured an unusually expensive outing, conceding 58 runs -- fourth most expensive spell by an Indian in T20Is -- as New Zealand’s batters targeted his lengths and found success against him at the death. Despite that, India managed to claw their way back through disciplined bowling from the rest of the attack. Axar Patel proved to be the game-changer with the ball, picking up two of his three wickets at key moments. He got rid of the attacking Allen and then sent back Glenn Phillips.

These two wickets in the ninth over and the 11th over of the innings turned the game in India's favour. Axar’s spell ensured India regained control and kept the required run rate out of New Zealand's reach.

India had won the first three T20 Internationals of the series before New Zealand pulled back one towards the end.

1st T20I (21 Jan 2026): India posted a big 238/7, led by Abhishek Sharma’s 84, then bowled out New Zealand for 190. India won by 48 runs, seizing an early series lead through dominant batting and tight bowling.

2nd T20I (23 Jan 2026): New Zealand scored 208/6 but India chased it down at 209/3 with seven wickets in hand (28 balls unused). Suryakumar Yadav (82*) and Ishan Kishan (76) starred in a convincing Indian pursuit.

3rd T20I (25 Jan 2026): India restricted New Zealand to 153/9, then raced to 155/2 inside 10 overs. Abhishek Sharma (68*) and Suryakumar Yadav (57*) powered a dominant eight-wicket win, giving India a 3-0 series lead.

4th T20I (28 Jan 2026): New Zealand posted 215/7, with Seifert and Conway leading the charge. India could only manage 165 in reply. New Zealand won by 50 runs, breaking India’s momentum late in the series.

Tags : Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah, Finn Allen, Suryakumar Yadav, India cricket team