[WATCH] Ishan Kishan Smashes 42-Ball Century With Consecutive Sixes In IND Vs NZ 5th T20I

India’s wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan scored a sensational 42-ball century in the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand on Saturday, January 31, in Thiruvananthapuram. The left-handed batter smashed back-to-back sixes to reach the milestone, leaping in joy and celebrating his maiden T20I hundred alongside Hardik Pandya.

Kishan reached his century in the 17th over, bowled by New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner. At 91, he hit two powerful sixes over mid-wicket to complete the 100 in just 42 deliveries. Here’s the video capturing the 27-year-old’s momentous ton:

https://twitter.com/bcci/status/2017614202001887236?s=46

With this brilliant innings, he became the 12th Indian to register a T20I century, joining the elite ranks of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Abhishek Sharma, and Suresh Raina, among several other legendary players. The 27-year-old smashed 10 towering sixes before being dismissed for 103 by Jacob Duffy, catching out to Glenn Phillips at mid-wicket.

Ishan Kishan’s Century Powers Team India To 271 In Thiruvananthapuram

Ishan Kishan’s 103 stole the spotlight as the Men in Blue delivered a dominating batting display in the fifth T20I of the series. Despite early dismissals of openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson in the powerplay, New Zealand found no respite with Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav at the crease.

The dynamic duo stitched together a blistering 137-run partnership off just 58 balls, dominating the bowling attack with aggressive strokeplay. Suryakumar notched his third fifty of the series, scoring a fluent 63 from 30 deliveries, while Hardik Pandya added a quickfire 42 off 17 balls, leaving the visitors completely reeling.

India posted a massive 271, their third-highest T20I total ever, putting immense pressure on the opposition. For New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson was the standout bowler, finishing with 2 wickets for 41 runs in four challenging overs. The hosts now comfortably maintain a 3-1 lead in the series, looking set to seal the victory.

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