The match was defined by historic individual milestones and a clinical, high-intensity performance that effectively dismantled the Kiwi challenge. Leading the attack were Ishan Kishanthat destroyed a breathtaking first century and Arshdeep Singhwho overcame a difficult start to claim a decisive five-wicket haul. Led by Suryakumar Yadavthe Men in Blue have now entered the final countdown to the World Cup, with their tactical combinations looking remarkably stable.
Ishan Kishan’s maiden T20I century and Suryakumar Yadav’s historic milestone
Opting to bat first in a batting paradise at the Greenfield International Stadium, India posted a mammoth 271/5, their third highest total in T20I history, fueled by a masterclass from Kishan. After a minor hiccup, Kishan returned to the side and went on a relentless rampage, reaching his maiden T20I century in just 42 balls, an innings that featured 10 towering sixes and six boundaries. He found an ideal partner in skipper Suryakumar, who played a sparkling supporting role with a 30-ball 63.
During this explosive blow, Suryakumar wrote history by the fastest batsman to reach 3,000 T20I runs in terms of balls to be played, with this feat achieved in just 1,822 deliveries. The duo shared a devastating partnership of 137 runs off just 57 balls for the third wicket, effectively knocking New Zealand out of the match before the powerplay was even over. Cameos in the late inning of Hardik Pandya (42 off 17) ensured India maintained a scoring rate of over 13.5 runs per over, setting a target that would require the visitors to script a world record chase.
READ also: IND vs NZ: Fans erupt as Ishan Kishan’s explosive maiden T20I Ton dismantles New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram
Arshdeep Singh’s resilient attack derails New Zealand’s chase
New Zealand’s pursuit of the huge target started with aggressive intent, as an opener Find Allen threatened to turn the game on its head with a thrilling 80 off 38 balls. The Kiwis found themselves comfortably at 131/2 after 10 overs, largely because Allen took a particular liking to Arshdeep, who conceded 40 runs in his first two overs. However, the game changed dramatically in the second half as India’s bowlers consolidated their grip through tactical discipline and clever variations.
Arshdeep pulled off a sensational comeback in his return spell, using a deadly combination of knuckles and wide yorkers to trigger a middle-order collapse. He finished with career best figures of 5/51 and claimed the crucial wickets of Daryl Mitchell And Rachin Ravindra to undermine the momentum of the chase. Supported by Axar Patelwho suppressed the score with 3/33 and Varun Chakrabortythe Indian attack bowled out New Zealand for 225 in 19.4 overs. The 46-run win not only secured the series 4-1 but also confirmed that India’s bowling depth remains its biggest asset heading into the big event next week.
Here’s how fans reacted:
It seems that the assignment given to Ishan before the serial is “Daya darwaza todd do!” was. He’s getting hot! But even after scoring 271, India were still under pressure at the halfway stage when NZ were 131/2! But the bowlers held their nerve under the leadership of Arsh Fifer. Bring on the World Cup 💪🏼 #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/lGkBjfm1Ds
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 31, 2026
Ishan Kishan’s Runs and Surya Kumar’s form were the biggest positives from this series against New Zealand. Now let’s go for the World Cup.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 31, 2026
Kishan on a m𝑰𝑺𝑯𝑨𝑵! ✍️🔥
Maiden T20I century for the left-hander. Well played! 🙌
📸: BCCI | #Playfat #OurRCB #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/OvASSIRxto
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) January 31, 2026
1️⃣0️⃣ sixes, 6️⃣ fours, one 💯.
Take a bow, Ishan 🫡🔥#WhistlePodu #INDvNZ
📸: JIOHOTSTAR pic.twitter.com/qJVnf3KURu— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 31, 2026
Accolades for the explosive batting that makes India such a force in the T20s are well deserved, but the bowling is not lagging behind for a second
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 31, 2026
Arshdeep Singh finished the match in this over. He made 40 runs in his first two overs, but that’s how a champion makes a comeback. pic.twitter.com/wMUMgOEGES
— RATNISH (@LoyalSachinFan) January 31, 2026
A nice fifer for Arshdeep 🤩 pic.twitter.com/7c67kFf5tu
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) January 31, 2026
Arshdeep Singh’s bounce back ability in this series has been absolutely phenomenal.
— Prasanna (@prasannalara) January 31, 2026
It must be considered blasphemy to drop Arshdeep from the T20I XI.
— Kusha Sharma (@Kushacritic) January 31, 2026
India wins the T20I series 4-1 🔥#INDvNZ #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/EoyNKV9BeY
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 31, 2026
READ also: IND vs NZ: Fans left seething after Sanju Samson disappointed home crowd at Greenfield International Stadium as flop show continues in 5th T20I
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