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Ishan Kishan hit his maiden T20I century as India beat Recent Zealand by 46 runs, clinching the series 4-1 at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.
Ishan Kishan smashed his maiden T20I hundred as India beat Recent Zealand (PTI)
Ishan Kishan smashed his maiden T20I hundred — being adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ — as India defeated Recent Zealand by 46 runs within the fifth and final match, securing the series 4-1 on the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.
The 27-year-old from Jharkhand, though, is just not willing to count the accolades yet but has is focus firmly on the T20 World Cup.
Ishan, when asked about his knock, revealed that he just aimed to look at the ball and play accordingly.
“Truthfully, not much. I felt the ball was doing a bit early on, but batting alongside Abhishek Sharma really helps. You see his intent, you understand the momentum the team needs, and then you definately just try to look at the ball and play accordingly. That approach worked well for me today,” Ishan Kishan said on the post-match presentation.
As for his mindset when approaching personal milestones, Ishan said that the plan is at all times to go for runs, even when nearing a milestone; if the ball is there, you go for it and deal with winning games.
“I feel that’s the mindset of everyone in our team now. Even for those who’re near a milestone, it doesn’t really matter. If you happen to start taking singles at that stage, you may feel later that you just missed a possibility to go big. So if the ball is there to hit, you may have to go for it. The main focus is on winning matches, not personal milestones,” he said.
As for whether he finds his satsfying to attain the runs and win matches for the team, Ishan said that he is just not yet at his very best, but his focus is on the World Cup, and he wants to take care of this manner for the larger competition as well.
“I still feel I’m not there yet. Yes, I’ve done well and I’m getting these awards, but my focus is firmly on the World Cup. That’s where the additional effort is required. What’s vital is carrying this manner forward and continuing to contribute there,” Ishan Kishan said.
How India Beat Recent Zealand?
Selecting to bat, Ishan hammered 10 sixes and 6 fours in his 43-ball 103, while Suryakumar Yadav scored a 30-ball 63 embellished with 4 boundaries and 6 sixes, propelling India to a formidable 271/5 from their 20 overs. Hardik Pandya also contributed with some powerful hitting, scoring 42 off 17 balls.
In response, Recent Zealand were bowled out for 225 in 19.4 overs, with opener Finn Allen making a 38-ball 80. Arshdeep Singh (5/51) and Axar Patel (3/33) starred with the ball.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India, India
January 31, 2026, 23:42 IST
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