India secured a 46-run win over New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I of the series on January 31. The Men in Blue successfully defended 271 runs, dismissing the Kiwis for 225 despite Finn Allen’s 80 runs in 38 balls. Arshdeep Singh was the star in the bowling department, taking 5 wickets. He was assisted by Axar Patel, who was playing his first game after missing the previous three contests, adding three scalps to his bowling figures.
India were superior in the batting department as well, posting a massive total of 271/5, mainly due to Ishan Kishan’s 103 runs off 43 balls and Suryakumar Yadav’s effort of 63 runs in 30 deliveries. Hardik Pandya (42 off 17) and Abhishek Sharma (30 off 16) also played impactful innings.
Match Overview – India vs New Zealand, January 31
Although India lost Sanju Samson quickly, it didn’t put the hosts on the back foot as Abhishek and Ishan kept the scoreboard ticking. Abhishek hit 4 boundaries and 2 maximums while Ishan took the back seat. Once Abhishek was dismissed, Ishan went after the bowlers, hitting 10 sixes and 6 boundaries. He and SKY were unstoppable, with the latter smashing 6 sixes and 4 boundaries. In the end, Hardik added 4 sixes and 1 boundary to the total.
When Allen was at the crease, the Kiwis were matching India’s scoring rate as the opener blasted 8 boundaries and 6 sixes, but his departure didn’t allow the visiting side to maintain the tempo.
Player of the Match – Ishan Kishan
He was named the Player of the Match for his maiden T20I ton.
Player of the Series – Suryakumar Yadav
He was named the Player of the Series for amassing 242 runs in five matches, including three fifties.
How the Match Was Won
India put the brakes on the run rate of New Zealand in the middle overs, taking four quick wickets. The Kiwis were 117/1 in 9 overs at one stage, but it quickly became 137 for 5 in 11.3 overs, leaving no chance to register their second consecutive win of the series.
Reactions and Post-Match Comments
Suryakumar Yadav reacted to his team’s win and his Player of the Series award. “It has been a long year, and I wasn’t out of form. It was a good series before the World Cup. We will sit together before starting our campaign in the World Cup,” he said.
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner opened up on his learning from the series. “We learnt a lot of stuff. It is not easy to beat India in these conditions. Results didn’t go our way, but you can always learn,” he said.
Ishan was not bothered about his hundred. “It is a team game, and we don’t target milestones as a team. If the ball is there to hit, I will go after it. My focus is on the World Cup,” he said.
Series Impact and What’s Next
India won the series 4-1, and now the two teams will head to the T20 World Cup 2026, starting February 7.
FAQs – India vs New Zealand Player of the Match
Q1: Who was the Player of the Match in India vs New Zealand 5th T20I on January 31?
A1: Ishan Kishan was awarded Player of the Match for his brilliant batting performance.
Q2: What were Ishan Kishan’s key stats?
A2: He scored 103 runs in 43 balls, with the help of 10 sixes and 6 fours.
Q3: Who won the 5th T20I between India and New Zealand?
A3: India won by 46 runs.