Ishan Kishan Silences Critics In Style, Slams Maiden T20I Century Against New Zealand In Trivandrum

India vs New Zealand: India batter Ishan Kishan gave a befitting reply to his critics with a commanding century against New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I match of the series, at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, on Saturday, January 31.

ALSO READ: Sanju Samson's Misery Continues, India Opener Fails To Capitalize On Home Soil In Trivandrum

Ishan Kishan Slams 42-Ball Century In Thiruvananthapuram

It was also Kishan's maiden T20I century, which came in the sixth delivery of the 17th over. It took the 27-year-old 42 balls to bring up his maiden century in the 20-over format for the Men in Blue. Kishan completed his hundred in style, smashing the ball over mid-wicket for a six. 

Soon after scoring the hundred, he jumped out of excitement and went to Hardik Pandya, who was on the other end of the crease, and hugged the all-rounder. The crowd in Thiruvananthapuram stood up to applaud the batter's milestone.

Kishan played a 103-run knock from 43 balls at a strike rate of 239.53, smashing six fours and 10 sixes. The top-order batter's knock came to an end after Jacob Duffy dismissed him in the third delivery of the 18th over.

ALSO READ: India vs New Zealand 5th T20I Live Score

Kishan made his T20I debut in 2021 against England in Ahmedabad. In the T20Is, the 27-year-old played 36 matches, amassing 1011 runs at a strike rate of 137.93 and an average of 28.89.

New Zealand Need 272 Runs To Win

India faced New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I of the series on Saturday, January 31, in Thiruvananthapuram.

After winning the toss, India opted to bat first against the Kiwis. Suryakumar Yadav (63 off 30 balls) and Ishan Kishan (103 off 43 balls) stitched together a brilliant 137-run partnership, setting a strong foundation for the innings. Later, Hardik Pandya’s explosive cameo of 42 runs from just 17 deliveries powered the Men in Blue to a commanding total of 271/5.

New Zealand now require 272 runs to clinch victory against India.