Ishan Kishan smashed his maiden T20I hundred, breaking multiple records during the fifth and last T20I of the five-match series between India and New Zealand at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.
Ishan reached the three-figure mark in just 42 balls, which is the fifth-fastest by an Indian and the fastest-ever against New Zealand.
It was also Ishan’s seventh hundred in T20 cricket — which is the joint fourth most as an Indian batter.
While fans had anticipated a significant innings from Sanju Samson, it was Ishan Kishan who stole the spotlight with audacious strokeplay and complete dominance over the bowlers.
Kishan hammered 103 off just 43 balls, including six fours and 10 sixes, blending power with precision.
Returning after missing the previous match due to injury, he appeared rejuvenated from the outset. With India at 54 for two in the powerplay following early dismissals of Samson and Abhishek Sharma, Kishan joined captain Suryakumar Yadav and dramatically shifted the game’s momentum.
The duo contributed 137 runs in just over 10 overs, relentlessly attacking every New Zealand bowler. Kishan reached his half-century in 28 balls and then accelerated, particularly against leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, from whom he plundered 29 runs in a single over. His second fifty came in merely 14 balls, showcasing his rapid gear shift.
Suryakumar played an ideal supporting role with a smooth 63 off 30 balls. Even after his dismissal, Kishan maintained the onslaught, reaching his century in 42 balls, reaching the milestone with consecutive sixes off Mitchell Santner.
Ishan Kishan celebrated reaching his maiden hundred with aplomb.
Watch:
🎥 What a way to get to your maiden T20I century! 💯
And look what it means to Ishan Kishan 🙌
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Kishan was eventually dismissed to a standing ovation, having decimated New Zealand’s attack. Hardik Pandya contributed an unbeaten 42 off 17 balls to propel India past 270, marking one of their highest T20I totals.
However, the night undeniably belonged to Kishan, serving a stern reminder of his abilities ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
(With inputs from Agencies)
