IND vs NZ 2026: Arshdeep Singh creates unwanted record despite five-wicket haul in 5th T20I

Indian left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh was at the centre of a strange mix of heroics and unwanted history in the fifth T20I against New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram. The left-arm pacer finished with figures of 5/51, the most expensive five-wicket haul in men’s T20I cricket, yet his strikes were decisive in India’s 46-run triumph.

Arshdeep’s outing was a contrasting tale of two spells. After being taken apart early, giving away 17 in his first over and 23 in the next, he bounced back brilliantly in his second spell, removing key Kiwi batters including Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson and Daryl Mitchell. The comeback was sensational, and his five-wicket haul came at crucial stages to stall New Zealand’s chase. 

While a five-wicket haul in T20Is is rare and match-changing, Arshdeep’s figures also went down for an unwanted reason, his 5/51 spell is now the costliest five-for in T20I history. Previously, that mark was held by West Indies’ Alzarri Joseph, who had conceded 5/40 vs South Africa at Joburg (2023). South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi held the second spot with a spell of 5/39 vs England at Bristol (2022)

Reacting to his record-breaking spell, the Punjab pacer had some words to say. 

“Yep, it was a great learning for me as well – to stay in the game and not think about what happened in the past or in the first spell. That was the message from the coaching staff. I just wanted to stay in the present and do what was right in front of me,” he said.

India demolish New Zealand with 4-1 series win 

India’s batting was equally ruthless. A barrage of blows led by Ishan Kishan’s blazing century and a powerful supporting knock from Suryakumar Yadav helped India amass a massive 271/5, their third-highest T20I team total ever. Even though New Zealand’s Finn Allen scored a gutsy 80, they could not get close to the target and were dismissed for 225. 

India clinched the series 4-1 after a disappointing 2-1 ODI series loss. The preparations will now head towards the upcoming T20 World Cup, with India’s campaign starting on February 7.