Ishan Kishan's Milestone-Filled Century Propels India to T20I Series Victory
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan delivered a spectacular performance during the fifth and final T20 International against New Zealand, achieving two significant career milestones while powering his team to a commanding series win. Kishan not only completed 1,000 runs in T20 Internationals but also crossed the 2,000-run mark in international cricket for India, cementing his growing stature in the national setup.
Maiden T20I Century in Blistering Fashion
Kishan's innings was nothing short of sensational as he scored his maiden T20I century in just 42 balls, eventually finishing with 103 runs off 43 deliveries. His explosive knock featured six boundaries and ten massive sixes, maintaining a staggering strike rate of 239.53. This remarkable display of power-hitting came at a crucial juncture, showcasing his exceptional form following a successful stint as captain of Jharkhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he led his side to the championship title.
Dominant Series Performance and World Cup Implications
In the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, which marked his return to the Indian team, Kishan emerged as India's second-highest run-scorer. He accumulated 215 runs across four innings at an impressive average of 53.75 and a strike rate exceeding 231, including one century and one half-century. Given this outstanding form, it would be challenging for the Indian team management to overlook him as an opener when they face the United States in their opening match of the T20 World Cup on February 7.
Career Statistics and Format-Wise Breakdown
Across 36 T20 Internationals, Kishan has now amassed 1,011 runs at an average of 28.88 and a strike rate of 137.92, with one century and seven fifties to his name. In international cricket overall, he has participated in 65 matches, scoring 2,022 runs in 63 innings at an average of 34.86, including two centuries and fifteen half-centuries. His highest international score remains 210, achieved during a memorable innings.
In One Day Internationals, Kishan has featured in 27 matches, scoring 933 runs in 24 innings at an average of 42.40 and a strike rate over 102, with one century and seven fifties. Notably, his 210 against Bangladesh in 2022 stands as the fastest double century in ODI history, accomplished in just 126 balls. Additionally, he has played two Test matches, scoring 78 runs in three innings, including one fifty.
Record-Breaking Innings and Historical Context
Kishan's century against New Zealand ranks as the fifth fastest by an Indian in T20 Internationals. While Rohit Sharma holds the Indian record with a 35-ball century against Sri Lanka in 2017, Kishan's innings is also recognized as the fastest T20I century ever scored against New Zealand. This knock marked his seventh century in T20 cricket overall, with two of those hundreds coming during the 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he topped the run charts with 517 runs in ten innings, including two fifties, at a strike rate exceeding 197.
Match Highlights and Team Contributions
India won the toss and elected to bat first in the decisive match. After early setbacks, including Sanju Samson's dismissal for a single-digit score and Abhishek Sharma's brisk 30 off 16 balls, India found themselves at 48 for 2. Kishan then forged a formidable 137-run partnership for the third wicket with captain Suryakumar Yadav, who contributed a rapid 63 off 30 balls, featuring four fours and six sixes.
Hardik Pandya later added valuable runs with a quickfire 42 off 17 deliveries, including one four and four sixes, as India posted a formidable total of 271 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.
For New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson was the most successful bowler with figures of 2 for 41, while Jacob Duffy claimed 1 for 53. Kyle Jamieson and Mitchell Santner conceded 59 and 60 runs respectively, each taking one wicket.
Series Outcome and Final Result
India successfully defended their total, defeating New Zealand by 46 runs to secure a comprehensive 4-1 victory in the five-match T20I series. The match was held in Thiruvananthapuram, where the Indian team showcased their dominance throughout the contest, with Kishan's century being the standout performance that sealed the series triumph.
