Before major strategic disclosures 2026 T20 World Cupthe Indian cricket team completed its preparations by defeating its opponents by 46 runs New Zealand It will be held in Thiruvananthapuram on January 31. The resounding win saw India seal the five-match series 4-1 and sent a strong signal to the defending champions.

The match featured historic personal milestones and a high-octane clinical performance that effectively eliminated Team New Zealand’s challenge. The first to charge was Ishan Kishansmashing a stunning maiden century Ardeep Singhhe overcame a difficult start to claim five decisive victories. under leadership Suryakumar YadavCurrently, the men in blue have entered the final countdown to the World Cup, and their tactical combination seems to have been finalized.

Ishan Kishan’s first T20I century and Suryakumar Yadav’s historical milestone

India chose to bat first in the batting paradise of the Greenfield International Stadium and, driven by a masterclass from Kishan, posted a mammoth score of 271/5, their third-highest total in T20I history. After a minor hiccup, Kishan returned to the field and he embarked on a ruthless rampage, reaching his maiden T20I century in just 42 balls, an innings that featured 10 towering sixes and six boundaries. He found an ideal partner in captain Suryakumar, who played a brilliant supporting role with a score of 63 off 30 balls.

In this explosive impact, Suryakumar wrote history and became Fastest batsman to reach 3,000 runs in T20Is Judging from the number of balls faced, it took him just 1,822 passes to achieve this feat. The duo combined for a devastating partnership of 137 runs off just 57 balls for the third wicket, effectively bowling New Zealand out before the end of the powerplay. Later cameo from Hardik Pandya (42 balls in 17 games) ensured that India kept the scoring rate above 13.5 points per over, setting a target that required the visitors to set a world record chase.

Also read: IND vs NZ: Ishan Kishan’s explosive T20I Ton destroys New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram, fans erupt

Arshdeep Singh’s tough fingers spoil New Zealand’s chase

New Zealand’s pursuit of this ambitious goal begins with aggressive intentions, find alan A blast of 80 off 38 balls threatened to turn the game around. New Zealand were comfortably at 131/2 after 10 overs, mainly because Allen was particularly fond of Ashdeep, who had conceded 40 runs in the first two overs. However, the game changed drastically in the second half as India’s bowlers tightened their control with tactical discipline and clever changes.

Arshdeep made a sensational comeback in his return spell, sparking a middle-order collapse with a lethal combination of knuckleballs and wide yorkers. He ended the match with career-best figures of 5/51, winning crucial wickets Darryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra Reduce the motivation to chase. supporter Axar Patelhe smothered the scoring with 3/33, Varun Chakrabortythe Indian attack bowled out New Zealand for 225 in 19.4 overs. The 46-run victory not only ensured a 4-1 series victory but also confirmed that India’s bowling depth remains its biggest asset heading into next week’s big tournament.

Here’s how fans reacted:

It looks like the brief introduction given to Ishan earlier in the series was “Daya darwaza todd do!” He is getting hot! However, even with the score of 271, India were still under pressure in the half when New Zealand were 131/2! But the bowlers, led by Ash Feaver, kept their composure. Come to the World Cup💪🏼 #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/lGkBjfm1Ds

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 31, 2026

Ishan Kishan’s runs and Surya Kumar’s form are the biggest positives in this series against New Zealand. Now let’s go to the World Cup.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 31, 2026

Kishan is on m𝑰𝑺𝑯𝑨𝑵! ✍️🔥

The left-hander’s maiden T20I century. well played! 🙌

📸: BCCI | #PlayBold #ourRCB #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/OvASsIRxto

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) January 31, 2026

1️⃣0️⃣ six, 6️⃣ four, one 💯.
Bow, Ishan🫡🔥#WhistlePodu #INDvNZ
📸：JIOHOTSTAR pic.twitter.com/qJVnf3KURu

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 31, 2026

Explosive batting has made India a formidable force in T20s and the accolades are well-deserved, but the bowling hasn’t been an iota behind either

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 31, 2026

Ardeep Singh ended the innings. He scored 40 points in his first two rounds, but that’s how champions come back. pic.twitter.com/wMUMgOEGES

— Ratnish (@LoyalSachinFan) January 31, 2026

Beautiful flute made for Arshdeep🤩 pic.twitter.com/7c67kFf5tu

— Kolkata Knight Riders (@KKRiders) January 31, 2026

Ardeep Singh’s comeback ability in this series is absolutely amazing.

— Prasanna (@prasannalara) January 31, 2026

Excluding Arshdeep from the T20I XI should be considered sacrilege.

— Kusha Sharma  (@Kushacritic) January 31, 2026

India wins T20I series 4-1 🔥#INDvNZ #IndiaTeam pic.twitter.com/EoyNKV9BeY

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 31, 2026

Also read: IND vs NZ: Sanju Samson disappoints home crowd at Greenfield International Stadium as defeat continues in 5th T20I and fans go wild