The final fifth match of the five-match T20 series between India and New Zealand is underway at the Greenfield International Stadium. India won the toss and batted first, scoring 271 runs in 20 overs for the loss of only 5 wickets. New Zealand faces a massive challenge of 272 runs for victory. Ishan Kishan's explosive century and captain Suryakumar Yadav's half-century provided a strong foundation for the Indian innings. Lockie Ferguson took the most wickets for New Zealand with 2.
India started explosively, but Sanju Samson was out for 6 runs in the third over. After that, Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav steadied the innings. Abhishek scored 30 runs off 16 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes) before retiring. Ishan Kishan played with real aggression after coming to the field. He completed his half-century in 28 balls and then increased the pace. Suryakumar also celebrated his half-century by scoring 63 runs off 30 balls (4 fours, 6 sixes). Both made a brilliant partnership of 137 runs.
Mitchell Santner dismissed Suryakumar, but Ishan scored a century in 42 balls. He scored 103 runs in 43 balls (6 fours, 10 sixes) before being caught by Jacob Duffy. After that, Hardik Pandya scored 42 runs in 17 balls (1 four, 4 sixes), but Kyle Jamieson dismissed him. In the end, Rinku Singh (8 runs) and Shivam Dube (7 runs) remained unbeaten, taking India to 271. For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, and Mitchell Santner took 1 wicket each.
A target of 272 runs is not easy for New Zealand. In this series-deciding match, exciting bowling is also expected from India. New Zealand's reply batting has started, and cricket fans are watching eagerly.