Ishan Kishan Century: Ishan Kishan produced a sensational knock that will be remembered for years, hammering a breathtaking century against New Zealand in the fifth T20 International and rewriting several records in Indian and world T20 cricket. The left-handed opener’s blistering innings not only powered India to a dominant position but also marked a major milestone in his career, as he registered his first-ever T20I hundred.
The ishan kishan century came off just 42 balls, making it one of the fastest hundreds ever scored by an Indian batter in T20 Internationals. Playing at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Kishan showcased fearless stroke play, clean hitting, and supreme confidence as he dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack.
Match-Winning Knock Under Pressure
Batting at the top of the order, Ishan Kishan looked in complete control from the very beginning. He combined timing with brute force, punishing both pace and spin without hesitation. Kishan reached his century in just 42 deliveries and eventually finished with 103 runs off 43 balls, smashing 6 fours and 10 towering sixes.
His strike rate of 239.53 underlined the brutality of the innings, leaving bowlers searching for answers. The crowd in Thiruvananthapuram witnessed one of the most destructive T20 knocks ever played by an Indian batter.
This knock was especially significant because it marked Ishan Kishan’s maiden century in T20 International cricket, while also being his sixth century overall in T20 cricket across formats.
Ishan Kishan Breaks Suryakumar Yadav’s Record
One of the biggest highlights of the ishan kishan century was the fact that he overtook Suryakumar Yadav in the list of fastest T20I centuries by an Indian. Suryakumar had scored a 45-ball hundred against Sri Lanka in Rajkot in 2023, but Kishan went a step further by reaching the milestone in just 42 balls.
With this feat, Kishan climbed to fifth place among Indians with the fastest T20I centuries.
Fastest T20I Centuries by Indian Batters (Balls Faced)
| Rank | Player | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Sharma | 35 |
| 2 | Abhishek Sharma | 37 |
| 3 | Sanju Samson | 40 |
| 4 | Tilak Varma | 41 |
| 5 | Ishan Kishan | 42 |
| 6 | Suryakumar Yadav | 45 |
| 7 | KL Rahul | 46 |
Rohit Sharma continues to top the list with his legendary 35-ball century against Sri Lanka in Indore back in 2017.
Dominance Against New Zealand
The ishan kishan century also earned him a unique record against New Zealand. He became the fastest player to score a T20I hundred against New Zealand, highlighting his ability to perform against high-quality international opposition.
New Zealand’s bowlers tried varying lengths and pace, but Kishan was relentless. Short balls disappeared over the boundary, full deliveries were punished straight down the ground, and spinners were launched into the stands with ease.
Record-Breaking Feat as a Wicketkeeper-Batter
Apart from his batting fireworks, Ishan Kishan also made history as a wicketkeeper. His sixth T20 century pushed him past former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, who had five T20 hundreds to his name.
With this achievement, Kishan moved to second place among wicketkeepers with the most centuries in T20 cricket history.
Most T20 Centuries by Wicketkeepers
| Rank | Player | Centuries |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quinton de Kock | 8 |
| 2 | Ishan Kishan | 6 |
| 3 | Kamran Akmal | 5 |
| 4 | Sanju Samson | 4 |
South Africa’s Quinton de Kock continues to lead the chart, but Kishan is now firmly positioned among elite company.
A Statement Knock for the Future
This ishan kishan century could not have come at a better time. With competition for spots in India’s T20 squad intensifying ahead of major global tournaments, Kishan’s innings sends a strong message to selectors. His ability to dominate attacks, adapt quickly, and play match-winning knocks under pressure reinforces his value as a top-order batter and wicketkeeper.
The innings also showcased his maturity. Rather than recklessly chasing milestones, Kishan paced his innings smartly, accelerating at the right moments and ensuring India maintained momentum throughout the innings.
Career Milestone Moment
For Ishan Kishan, this century represents more than just numbers. It is a reward for perseverance, consistent domestic performances, and belief in his attacking instincts. His journey in international cricket has had ups and downs, but this innings firmly establishes him as one of India’s most explosive white-ball players.
Fans, former cricketers, and experts hailed the knock as one of the finest T20 innings played by an Indian batter in recent times.
Conclusion
The ishan kishan century against New Zealand was a perfect blend of aggression, skill, and confidence. By scoring 103 off just 43 balls, Kishan shattered multiple records, surpassed big names like Suryakumar Yadav and Kamran Akmal, and etched his name into T20 history.
As India continues to build a fearless and dynamic T20 unit, performances like this ensure that Ishan Kishan remains a crucial part of the conversation. If this innings is any indication, the best of Ishan Kishan may still be yet to come.
