India crushed New Zealand by 46 runs on Saturday (January 31) to win the fifth and final T20I of the five-match series. In the match played at the Greenfield International Stadium, India, after winning the toss, posted a total of 271/5. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan played a super knock of 103 runs from just 43 balls for the hosts, and captain Suryakumar Yadav hammered 61 runs from just 30 balls. The target of 272 runs proved too much for the Black Caps, and despite Finn Allen’s 80-run knock from just 38 balls (8 fours and 6 sixes), they could only manage to score 225/10 in 19.4 overs.

The score of 271/6 in the fifth T20I not only helped India secure a big win over the Black Caps but also entered their name in the history books. India on Saturday became the first team in the world to score more than 250 runs in a T20I match four times.

India was previously tied with Zimbabwe. The African team have scored 250+ runs in a T20I match three times, but now the Men in Blue hold the world record for scoring the most 250+ run totals in the 20-over format of the game.

India’s highest total in a T20I match is 297/6, which they registered against Bangladesh in Hyderabad on October 12, 2024. On November 15, 2024, India scored 283/1 against South Africa in Johannesburg, and in 2017, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue scored 260/5 in 20 overs against Sri Lanka at Indore’s Holkar Stadium.

India's total of 271/5 on Saturday is the highest score in T20Is against New Zealand. The previous best was 245/4 by Australia during a T20I match played at Auckland’s Eden Park in 2018.On November 15, 2024, India scored 283/1 against South Africa in Johannesburg, and in 2017, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue scored 260/5 in 20 overs against Sri Lanka at Indore’s Holkar Stadium.

India's total of 271/5 on Saturday is the highest score in T20Is against New Zealand. The previous best was 245/4 by Australia during a T20I match played at Auckland’s Eden Park in 2018.