India delivered a statement performance ahead of the T20 World Cup as Ishan Kishan’s blistering maiden T20I century and Arshdeep Singh’s five-wicket haul powered a commanding 46-run demolition of New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kishan’s 103 off just 43 balls headlined a brutal batting onslaught that carried India to 271 for 5, their third-highest total in T20Is, after Suryakumar Yadav (63) and Hardik Pandya (42) joined the six-hitting party in an innings that featured 23 maximums.
India appeared steady rather than spectacular at 82 for 2 after nine overs, but what followed was pure carnage as Kishan tore into the bowlers, smashing 77 off his next 23 balls and taking Mitchell Santner apart with breathtaking ease while the hosts plundered 189 runs from the final 11 overs.
New Zealand’s chase briefly sparked through Finn Allen, who blazed 80 off 38 and added 100 in quick time with Rachin Ravindra, but the steep target always demanded something extraordinary and India simply had too much firepower once the partnership was broken.
Axar Patel’s control in the middle overs and Arshdeep’s stunning comeback spell, 5 for 51 after a costly start, ripped through the lower order, sealing the contest comfortably as New Zealand folded for 225 despite early resistance.
For India, it was the perfect tune-up before the global showpiece, explosive batting depth, clarity in roles, and a match-winning bowling punch, while Kishan’s statement knock may well have locked down a World Cup berth in emphatic style.
