NewKerala.com

Arshdeep's Costly 5-Wicket Haul in Record-Breaking T20I Run-Fest

India defeated New Zealand by 46 runs in a high-scoring fifth T20I, posting a mammoth 271 for 5, their third-highest total in the format. The match set multiple records, including 36 sixes—the most ever in a T20I between Test-playing nations. Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh claimed five wickets but conceded 51 runs, making it the most expensive five-wicket haul in T20I history. The total match aggregate of 496 runs stands as the second-highest in all T20 Internationals.

Key Points: Record T20I Score & Most Expensive Fifer in India-NZ Thriller

  • India posts 271/5, 3rd highest T20I total
  • 36 sixes hit, most in a T20I between Test nations
  • Arshdeep Singh registers most expensive 5-wicket haul
  • 496-run aggregate is 2nd highest in T20I history
2 min read

Records tumble in Thiruvananthapuram T20I as Arshdeep registers most expensive fifer

India posts 271/5, wins by 46 runs. Arshdeep Singh takes a record expensive 5-wicket haul in a match featuring 36 sixes and 496 total runs.

"Arshdeep Singh picked up five wickets while conceding 51 runs, which is the most expensive fifer in T20I history."

Thiruvananthapuram, February 1

India produced a batting masterclass to post 271 for 5 in the fifth T20I against New Zealand, marking their third-highest total in T20 Internationals and setting several new records in the process.

The match held on Saturday also saw a flurry of sixes, with 36 cleared the ropes -- the most ever in a T20I contest between two Test-playing nations, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Arshdeep Singh picked up five wickets while conceding 51 runs, which is the most expensive fifer in T20I history. Earlier, Alzarri Joseph of the West Indies had the unwanted record, which he achieved during a Johannesburg T20I match against South Africa in 2023.

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, India got off to a shaky start as Sanju Samson fell cheaply. Abhishek Sharma (30 off 16 balls, with two sixes) offered brief resistance, leaving India at 48 for 2. However, a scintillating 137-run partnership between Ishan Kishan (103 off 43 balls, 10 sixes) and captain Suryakumar Yadav (63 off 30 balls, six sixes) electrified the stadium. Hardik Pandya's cameo of 42 runs in 17 balls, including four sixes, propelled India to a formidable 271/5 in 20 overs.

The Indian innings was highlighted by 23 sixes, equalling their joint-most in a T20I innings alongside their effort against South Africa in 2024, while the aggregate of 36 sixes in the match ranks as the second-highest in T20I history, behind the 41 hit in the Bulgaria-Gibraltar match in 2025. Across the five-match series, India's 69 sixes against New Zealand stand as the most by any team in a bilateral T20I series.

New Zealand's response started promisingly with a century partnership between Devon Allen (80 off 38 balls, six sixes) and Rachin Ravindra (30 off 17 balls, two sixes) after Tim Seifert fell early. However, India's bowlers struck back decisively. Arshdeep crucially cleaned up New Zealand's middle-order, while Axar Patel (3/33) supported brilliantly. New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 225, handing India a 46-run victory.

The match's aggregate of 496 runs is now the second-highest in T20I history, behind the 517-run thriller between West Indies and South Africa in Centurion in 2023.

With this win, India maintain dominance in the series while rewriting multiple T20I records, including the highest total against New Zealand, most sixes in a bilateral series, and one of the highest-scoring matches in the format's history.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the win is great, we can't ignore Arshdeep's figures. 5 wickets is a fantastic achievement, but conceding 51 runs in 4 overs in a T20 is a real concern. The bowling unit needs to find a way to contain runs on these flat pitches.
R
Rohit P
Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy and batting both were top-class. He led from the front. The partnership with Kishan changed the game completely. Thiruvananthapuram crowd witnessed a historic match!
A
Ananya R
So many records broken in one match! 36 sixes is just mind-boggling. Batting has evolved so much. Feel for the bowlers though, must be a nightmare to bowl on such tracks.
D
David E
Watching from the UK. The sheer power-hitting from both teams was incredible entertainment. Arshdeep getting a fifer even while going for runs shows his fighting spirit. Credit to New Zealand for chasing 225 after that target.
S
Siddharth J
Hardik's finishing touch was crucial. 42 off 17 balls took us from a big total to a mammoth one. The balance he provides is unmatched. Hope he stays fit for the big tournaments ahead.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50