Ishan Kishan’s record breaking half century. (Photo- PTI)
The second match of the ongoing five-match T20 series between India and New Zealand was very special for Ishan Kishan. New Zealand, batting first, scored 208 runs, in response to which Ishan Kishan from India played a stormy innings to put the team in a strong position. He scored 76 runs in just 32 balls, which included 11 fours and 4 sixes. His strike rate was also 237.50, which put New Zealand’s bowling on the backfoot.
Ishan Kishan’s record breaking half century
Ishan Kishan achieved the most special achievement in this innings by completing his half-century in 21 balls. This is the fastest T20 International half-century scored by any Indian batsman against New Zealand. Earlier, Abhishek Sharma had made this record by scoring a half-century in 22 balls in the first match of the series, but Ishaan broke it within just 48 hours. This performance is even more special for Ishaan because he has scored a half-century in T20 International after two years.
This innings of Ishan Kishan was special because the team had lost both its openers early. Sanju Samson was out for 6 runs and Abhishek Sharma was out without opening the account. In such a situation, he worked to relieve the team from pressure and then also scored runs at a fast pace. When Ishan Kishan was out, the team’s score was 128 in 9.1 overs, which turned the match in favor of the Indian team.
Sanju poses a big threat to Samson
Ishan Kishan had also joined the team in the last match, where his performance was average, but he made a great comeback in Raipur. On the other hand, he has got a place as a backup opener in the Indian team selected for the T20 World Cup 2026. But his innings has become a challenge for wicketkeeper batsman Sanju Samson, whose performance in this series so far has not lived up to expectations. Ishaan’s batting and wicketkeeping are making him a strong contender in the team, who can also become the team’s first choice.