India’s batting firepower was on full display in the fifth T20I against New Zealand as Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan launched a brutal assault on Michael Bracewell. The New Zealand spinner endured a nightmare ninth over, leaking 27 runs as the Indian duo combined aggressive strokeplay with remarkable power-hitting.
India looked to rebuild after losing Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma early. However, Iyer and Kishan shifted gears quickly, putting the New Zealand bowlers under immense pressure with their attacking approach.
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The onslaught began when Iyer took on Bracewell in the ninth over. The right-hander started with a towering six over long-on before collecting a boundary to deep mid-wicket. He followed it up with another maximum on the third delivery and continued the assault with a four on the next ball.
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New Zealand had an opportunity to end Iyer’s explosive stay when Ish Sodhi dropped a catch at short fine leg. However, the missed chance proved expensive as India continued to dominate the over.
Kishan then joined the action, smashing Bracewell for a six over long-on before finishing the over with a powerful boundary towards deep mid-wicket. The 27-run over significantly shifted the momentum in India’s favour.
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The attacking partnership helped India recover from early setbacks and put New Zealand on the back foot. At the end of 10.2 overs, India had reached 112/3, with Kishan unbeaten on 61 off just 32 deliveries and Iyer scoring 42 from 18 balls.
Kishan’s explosive innings featured five boundaries and five sixes, while Iyer struck two fours and four maximums. Their counter-attacking approach gave India the momentum they needed to accelerate and put up a formidable total.
