India got a major boost for the upcoming T20 World Cup as they beat New Zealand comprehensively by 46 runs in the fifth and the final match of the T20 series at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.
Riding on a blistering ton by Ishan Kishan and a five-wicket haul by Arshdeep Singh, dominant India emerged victorious to seal the series 4-1.
Chasing a massive total of 272, the Kiwis were eventually skittled out for 225 in 19.4 overs. Though Finn Allen (80, 38b, 8×4, 6×6) hit a blazing half century, it was not enough as he didn’t get any support from the other end.
Arshdeep Singh (5/51) was the wrecker-in-chief for India. He got able support from Axar Patel (3/33).
Earlier, Ishan Kishan smashed a blistering hundred to power India to a massive 271 for the loss of five wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Kishan scored 103 off just 43 balls studded with six fours and 10 sixes as India unleashed a heavy-hitting display.
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After electing to bat first, India got off to a flying start with in-form Abhishek Sharma cracking 30 off 16 before falling early. Sanju Samson again struggled, departing for six off six, but Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav steadied the innings with a powerful 137-run partnership for the third wicket. Surya scored a fiery 63 off 30 balls with the help of four fours and six sixers. Hardik Pandya made a quick 42 off 17 with the help of a boundary and four sixes to further boost the total.
