India Clinch T20I Series 4-1 with High-Octane Victory in Thiruvananthapuram

Saturday, January 31, 2026:India Clinch T20I Series 4-1 with High-Octane Victory in Thiruvananthapuram, In a breathtaking display of power-hitting and clinical bowling, India defeated New Zealand by 46 runs in the fifth and final T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium. The victory ensured a 4-1 series win for the India, serving as a perfect morale booster just a week before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The match belonged to two standout performers: Ishan Kishan, who smashed his maiden T20I century, and Arshdeep Singh, who turned a nightmare start into a dream five-wicket haul.

Quick Scorecard

Result: India won by 46 runs and won the series 4-1.

Match Summary: A Run-Fest in Kerala

Winning the toss and opting to bat, India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav signaled aggressive intent from the start. Although local favorite Sanju Samson (6) and Abhishek Sharma (30) departed relatively early, the stage was set for an Ishan Kishan masterclass. The southpaw went on a rampage, dismantling the Kiwi bowling attack to score 103 off just 43 balls, featuring 10 towering sixes. He was ably supported by Suryakumar Yadav, who notched up a quickfire 63, helping India post a massive 271/5—their third-highest total in T20I history.

In response, New Zealand’s Finn Allen provided a scare with a blistering 80 off 38 balls. At one stage, the Black Caps were scoring at over 13 runs per over, keeping the chase alive. However, the introduction of spin and the resurgence of Arshdeep Singh broke the back of the Kiwi middle order. Arshdeep, who had conceded 40 runs in his first two overs, returned to take 4 wickets in his final two overs, finishing with figures of 5/51. New Zealand was eventually bowled out for 225 in 19.4 overs.

India Innings Scorecard (Batting)

India’s batting was a masterclass in modern T20 aggression, maintaining a strike rate of over 200 throughout the innings.

New Zealand Bowling Details

The Kiwi bowlers faced the brunt of a flat deck and an inspired Indian batting lineup.

New Zealand Innings Scorecard (Batting)

Finn Allen was the lone warrior for the visitors, playing an innings that momentarily silenced the Trivandrum crowd.

India Bowling Details

The Indian bowlers showed great resilience, particularly the spinners who slowed down the game during the Finn Allen onslaught.

Key Highlights and Player Performances

1. Ishan Kishan’s Maiden Ton

Ishan Kishan, returning to the T20 setup with a point to prove, played one of the most destructive innings seen at the Greenfield Stadium. He reached his 50 in 28 balls and converted it into a century in 42 balls. His ability to target the straight boundaries and the mid-wicket region left the New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner with no answers. His partnership of 137 runs with Suryakumar Yadav was the backbone of the Indian innings.

2. Arshdeep Singh’s “Tale of Two Spells”

Cricket is a game of redemption, and Arshdeep Singh proved it today. His first two overs were carted for 40 runs as Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra went after him. However, coming back in the death overs, Arshdeep used his variations and yorkers to perfection. He removed the dangerous Daryl Mitchell and cleaned up the tail, finishing with his maiden T20I five-wicket haul (5/51).

3. The Finn Allen Storm

New Zealand were never out of the game as long as Finn Allen was at the crease. Coming off a brilliant BBL season, Allen brought that form to India. He struck 8 fours and 6 sixes, reaching his half-century in just 22 balls. It took a clever piece of bowling from Axar Patel, inducing a mistimed pull to Rinku Singh, to finally end the threat.

4. Axar Patel: The Silent Assassin

While Arshdeep took the wickets, Axar Patel provided the control. In a game where the average economy rate was well over 11, Axar finished with an economy of 9.00 and took 3 crucial wickets, including the big fish Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips.