In a display of sheer white-ball dominance, Ishan Kishan transformed the 5th T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium into a personal highlight reel, shattering New Zealand’s spirits with a maiden T20I century that was as surgical as it was brutal.
New Zealand left reeling as Ishan Kishan smashes his maiden T20I century
Returning to the XI after a brief injury layoff, the left-hander unleashed absolute mayhem, reaching his 100 in just 42 deliveries, the fastest-ever T20I ton by an Indian against the Black Caps. Kishan’s innings of 103 off 43 balls was a masterclass in modern-day power hitting, featuring 10 towering sixes that cleared the boundaries with ease, including an 12th over from Ish Sodhi that went for 29 runs. He was particularly severe on the spin of Sodhi and the pace of Kyle Jamieson, at one point striking three consecutive sixes to bring the Thiruvananthapuram crowd to its feet.
This historic knock makes Kishan only the second Indian, after Rohit Sharma, to achieve the rare ‘Double’ of having both an ODI double-century and a T20I hundred to his name. By maintaining a staggering strike rate of 239.53, Kishan didn’t just play a match-defining innings; he effectively hammered down his claim as India’s first-choice opener for the 2026 World Cup.
The 137-run blitz: Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav dismantled the Kiwis in 5th T20I
The backbone of India’s mammoth total was a devastating 137-run partnership for the third wicket, where Kishan found the perfect tactical foil in captain Suryakumar Yadav. Joining forces at a precarious 48/2 after the early exit of Sanju Samson, the duo decimated Mitchell Santner’s bowling plans through a mix of calculated risks and audacious strokeplay. While Suryakumar played the anchor-aggressor with a rapid 63 off 30 balls, his presence allowed Kishan to go into ‘full-throttle’ mode from the other end.
Their chemistry was evident as they manipulated the field with ease, turning even good-length deliveries into boundary opportunities. The partnership, which came at a blistering rate of over 14 runs per over, not only pushed India past the 200-mark in record time but also highlighted the immense depth of a middle order that was further bolstered by Hardik Pandya’s late cameo.
Ishan found the perfect ally in captain Suryakumar Yadav, who played a blistering supporting role with 63 off 30 balls. The duo shared a devastating 137-run partnership for the third wicket, taking India from a shaky 48/2 to a position of absolute dominance. The carnage was then completed by Hardik Pandya, whose 17-ball 42 ensured that New Zealand’s bowlers, most notably Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson, finished with individual economies well over 13.
Here’s how fans reacted:
That’s not just an innings fro Ishan, it’s a statement.
My god🔥🔥 #INDvsNZ
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 31, 2026
Ishan Kishan is just cooking at the right time. Universe finds a way man.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 31, 2026
Ishan Kishan shows the power of not giving up, training hard and believing in your strength. He never changed his style and got the rewards. What a timely comeback… just a week before the World T20.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 31, 2026
ttps://twitter.com/BoriaMajumdar/status/2017613332703011247
In this form there’s no way Ishan Kishan won’t start in the Indian XI come the World Cup
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) January 31, 2026
When life gives you a second chance, grab it like Ishan Kishan did. pic.twitter.com/IZlxdtVS0w
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) January 31, 2026
Sanju Samson and his fans should not complain now, Sanju & Ishan Kishan opposite ends of the spectrum.
— Manoj Dimri (@manoj_dimri) January 31, 2026
MAIDEN T20I HUNDRED FOR ISHAN KISHAN. 💯
– The celebration between Kishan and Hardik Pandya was pure bliss. 🥺❤️
pic.twitter.com/lgS011uBoM— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 31, 2026
Ishan Kishan’s abilities shouldn’t surprise anyone, in fact, his performances are a shocking indictment of the Indian cricketing system’s ability to map, back & manage maverick players.
IK literally had to write history (lead Jharkhand to SMAT win) in order to be considered,…
— Vikram Mahendra (@ElRealesVikram) January 31, 2026
Ishan Kishan brings up century in 42 balls ⚡⚡#INDvNZ #IshanKishan #TeamIndia #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/8fmX466nnU
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 31, 2026
Also READ: IND vs NZ, 5th T20I: Suryakumar Yadav reveals crucial Tilak Varma update ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.
