Sat Jan 31 17:12:01 UTC 2026: # India Dominates New Zealand in Final T20I, Clinches Series 4-1
The Story: India concluded the five-match T20I series against New Zealand with a resounding 46-run victory on Saturday, January 31, 2026, securing the series 4-1. After winning the first three matches, India suffered a setback in the fourth, but bounced back emphatically in Thiruvananthapuram. Ishan Kishan’s explosive century powered India to a formidable total, which New Zealand ultimately failed to chase despite a strong start.
Key Points:
- India defeated New Zealand by 46 runs in the 5th T20I.
- India won the five-match series 4-1.
- Ishan Kishan scored 103 off 43 balls, including 6 fours and 10 sixes.
- India posted 271 for 5 in 20 overs.
- Suryakumar Yadav contributed 63 off 30 balls.
- Hardik Pandya scored 42 off 17 balls.
- Finn Allen scored 80 off 38 balls for New Zealand.
- Arshdeep Singh took a five-wicket haul for India.
Key Takeaways:
- Ishan Kishan’s rapid century underscores his rising prominence as a destructive T20I opener.
- India’s dominant series victory affirms their strength and depth in the T20I format.
- Arshdeep Singh’s five-wicket haul highlights his value as a key bowler in pressure situations.
- New Zealand’s reliance on Finn Allen’s explosive start underscores their vulnerability.
- India’s ability to recover from a loss in the fourth T20I demonstrates resilience and adaptability.
First Piper 