Hamilton: India continued their breathtaking batting display in the fifth T20I against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton, racing to 111/2 after 10 overs.
After New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl, India's top order responded with an aggressive counterattack. The visitors are currently scoring at an impressive 11.10 runs per over, with Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan putting the New Zealand bowling attack under severe pressure.
Ishan Kishan has reached a superb 61 off just 31 balls, striking five fours and five sixes at a phenomenal strike rate of 196.77. He has played aggressively from the outset and has been particularly effective against the New Zealand bowlers.
At the other end, Shreyas Iyer has also produced a spectacular innings. He is unbeaten on 41 from only 17 deliveries, with two fours and four sixes. His strike rate currently stands at an extraordinary 241.18.
The pair have added a massive 92 runs from just 41 balls, completely changing the momentum after India lost Sanju Samson early.
Samson was dismissed for 4 from 10 balls at 19/2 in the 3.1 overs, caught by Michael Bracewell off Adam Milne. Since then, however, India have dominated proceedings.
The last five overs have yielded an astonishing 74 runs without the loss of a wicket. The scoring has been particularly explosive, with boundaries coming regularly.
The latest sequence included 6, 4, 6, 1, 6 and 4, highlighting the relentless pressure being applied by India's batters.
New Zealand's bowlers have struggled to contain the scoring rate. Michael Bracewell has conceded 38 runs from his two overs, while Mitchell Santner has given away 23 runs in two overs.
With India already past the 110-run mark at the halfway stage and both Iyer and Kishan firmly set, the visitors are in an excellent position to build a huge total in the remaining 10 overs.
The next phase of the innings could be crucial as India look to maintain their extraordinary scoring rate and finish with a commanding total.
India: 111/2 after 10 overs
Ishan Kishan: 61 (31) – 5 fours, 5 sixes
Shreyas Iyer: 41* (17) – 2 fours, 4 sixes
Partnership: 92 runs off 41 balls
Last wicket: Sanju Samson c Michael Bracewell b Adam Milne 4 (10)
Current Run Rate: 11.10