Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 31 (NationPress) Ishan Kishan delivered an astonishing 42-ball century, while captain Suryakumar Yadav contributed a solid 63, as India amassed a formidable total of 271/5 against New Zealand in the fifth T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium on Saturday.

India's innings included 23 sixes, matching their record for the most in a T20I match, with Kishan spearheading the attack following early dismissals of Abhishek Sharma and local hero Sanju Samson during the powerplay. The duo formed a remarkable 137-run partnership that effectively dismantled New Zealand's bowling lineup, swinging momentum decisively in favor of the hosts.

Despite Suryakumar being dismissed by Mitchell Santner after reaching his half-century, Kishan continued his aggressive display, achieving a stunning maiden T20I century before being out for 103 off 43 balls, highlighted by six fours and ten sixes at an impressive strike rate of 239.53. Hardik Pandya added fireworks late in the innings with a quick 42 off 17 balls, propelling India past the 270-run mark, marking their third-highest score in T20I history.

Choosing to bat first, India started strong with Abhishek Sharma finding the gaps early on, racing to 24 runs off just nine balls. Unfortunately, Samson's struggles continued as he was dismissed for a mere six, edging Lockie Ferguson to deep third man, leaving the home crowd in disbelief.

Abhishek appeared dangerous but was undone by Ferguson's pace, bowled out for 30 runs off 16 balls. With India at 48/2 in the fifth over, Kishan's aggressive approach provided the much-needed momentum. He and Suryakumar took control, unleashing a barrage of boundaries and sixes against Santner in the 10th over, scoring 20 runs.

Kishan relentlessly targeted the leg-side, reaching his fifty in just 28 balls, punishing Ish Sodhi with a sequence of three fours and two sixes in a single over. Suryakumar also brought up his third half-century of the series in 27 balls, hitting three sixes off Jacob Duffy in the 14th over.

Santner eventually broke their partnership by stumping Suryakumar for 63 runs off 30 balls. Kishan, however, continued his onslaught, hitting Santner for consecutive sixes of varying lengths to reach his first T20I hundred in only 42 balls, celebrated by a jumping Hardik. He was eventually dismissed for 103 runs off 43 balls, caught at square leg off Duffy.

Hardik capped off the innings with a blistering 42 off 17 balls, featuring one four and three sixes, while Shivam Dube struck the final six off the last ball, as India scored 21 runs in the final over in a relentless batting display, potentially securing Kishan's position in the Men’s T20 World Cup lineup for the upcoming match against USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Brief Scores: India 271/5 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 103, Suryakumar Yadav 63; Lockie Ferguson 2-41, Jacob Duffy 1-53) against New Zealand