31.01.2026,Thiruvananthapuram: Team India finished the five-match T20 series against New Zealand with a strong and confident victory. India defeated New Zealand by 46 runs and sealed the series 4-1.
This series gave India excellent preparation ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The team tested different players and strategies in batting, bowling, and fielding, and everything worked perfectly.
India Post a Massive Total
Batting first, India scored a huge 271/5 in 20 overs. It was a complete batting show from the Indian players.
- Ishan Kishan – 103 (43 balls)
- Suryakumar Yadav – 63 (30 balls)
- Hardik Pandya – 42 (17 balls)
- Abhishek Sharma – 30 (16 balls)
India smashed 23 sixes and 17 fours. Ishan Kishan’s explosive century was the highlight of the innings.
New Zealand Start Strong Chase
Chasing a massive target of 272 runs, New Zealand tried to attack from the beginning. However, Arshdeep Singh dismissed Tim Seifert in the very first over.
Finn Allen played an aggressive knock and kept New Zealand in the game with a quick 80 runs off 38 balls, hitting 8 fours and 6 sixes.
New Zealand reached 100 runs in just 8 overs, putting pressure on India.
Axar Patel Turns the Match
Just when New Zealand looked comfortable, Axar Patel changed the game. He dismissed the dangerous Finn Allen and broke the big partnership.
Axar also removed Glenn Phillips quickly, shifting the momentum back to India.
Arshdeep’s Bowling Masterclass
After Axar’s breakthrough, Arshdeep Singh dominated with the ball. He bowled with pace and accuracy and destroyed the Kiwi batting line-up.
Arshdeep finished with 5 wickets for 51 runs, taking key wickets and sealing India’s victory.
Other Bowlers Support Well
- Axar Patel – 3 wickets
- Varun Chakravarthy – 1 wicket
- Rinku Singh – 1 wicket
New Zealand were bowled out for 225 runs in 19.4 overs. Small contributions from Ravindra (30) and Sodhi (33*) were not enough.
Series Win Gives Big Confidence
India won the series 4-1 and gained great confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup. Both batting and bowling units performed brilliantly throughout the match.
Match Summary
India: 271/5 (20 overs)
Ishan 103, SKY 63
New Zealand: 225 all out (19.4 overs)
Allen 80
Result: India won by 46 runs
Player of the Match: Arshdeep Singh
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