India achieved a 46-run victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I of the series on January 31. The Indian team successfully defended a total of 271 runs, dismissing the Kiwis for 225, despite Finn Allen scoring 80 runs off 38 balls. Arshdeep Singh was a standout performer with the ball, claiming 5 wickets, while Axar Patel added 3 wickets in his first appearance after missing the previous three matches.
In batting, India excelled, scoring a substantial 271/5, thanks to Ishan Kishan’s 103 runs off 43 balls and Suryakumar Yadav’s 63 runs in 30 balls. Hardik Pandya contributed significantly with 42 runs off 17 balls, and Abhishek Sharma pitched in with 30 runs off 16 balls.
Match Overview – India vs New Zealand, January 31
Despite losing Sanju Samson early, India remained steady as Abhishek and Ishan kept the runs coming. Abhishek scored with 4 boundaries and 2 sixes before getting out. Ishan then took charge, hitting 10 sixes and 6 fours, alongside Suryakumar, who added 6 sixes and 4 fours. Hardik also chipped in with 4 sixes and 1 boundary.
While Finn Allen was still at the crease, New Zealand kept up with India’s scoring, hitting 8 boundaries and 6 sixes. However, his departure shifted the momentum away from the visitors.
Player of the Match – Ishan Kishan
Ishan was recognized as the Player of the Match for achieving his first T20I century.
Player of the Series – Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar was named Player of the Series, totaling 242 runs over five matches, including three half-centuries.
How the Match Was Won
India effectively slowed New Zealand’s run rate during the middle overs, taking four quick wickets. The Kiwis, who were 117/1 after 9 overs, quickly fell to 137 for 5 in 11.3 overs, preventing them from achieving a second consecutive win in the series.
Reactions and Post-Match Comments
Suryakumar Yadav commented on the team’s performance and his Player of the Series accolade, stating, “It has been a long year, and I wasn’t out of form. It was a good series before the World Cup. We will sit together before starting our campaign in the World Cup.”
New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, reflected on their series experience, saying, “We learnt a lot. It is not easy to beat India in these conditions. The results didn’t go our way, but you can always learn.”
Ishan downplayed his personal achievement, stating, “It is a team game, and we don’t focus on milestones. If the ball is in my zone, I will go for it. My main focus is on the World Cup.”
Series Impact and What’s Next
India won the series 4-1, and both teams will now prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7.
FAQs – India vs New Zealand Player of the Match
Q1: Who was the Player of the Match in India vs New Zealand 5th T20I on January 31?
A1: Ishan Kishan was awarded Player of the Match for his outstanding batting performance.
Q2: What were Ishan Kishan’s key stats?
A2: He scored 103 runs in 43 balls, hitting 10 sixes and 6 fours.
Q3: Who won the 5th T20I between India and New Zealand?
A3: India won by 46 runs.
