NEW DELHI: Ishan Kishan locked in his top-order slot with a blazing 20-ball 53 as India’s batters made the most of their only warm-up game ahead of the T20 World Cup, scoring 240 for five after electing to bat on Wednesday.

Coming off a sensational 103 in the final T20I against New Zealand, Kishan started on fire, putting on an 80-run stand with Abhishek Sharma (24 off 17 balls, retired out) inside the powerplay. He is expected to open alongside Sharma in the tournament opener at Wankhede on February 10.

Fiery fifty with big hits

Kishan set the tone with his fiery knock, striking seven sixes and two fours to reach 53 off just 20 balls. He was particularly destructive in the fifth over, scoring 29 runs off Anrich Nortje, including four sixes and a four. On one shot, he even tried to evade a bouncer, but the ball hit his blade and sailed over fine leg for a six.

While Kishan was in top form, Abhishek Sharma struggled to find his rhythm but still managed three fours and a six. Tilak Varma, returning after an injury lay-off, raced to 45 off 19 balls with three sixes and as many fours before being cleaned up by Marco Jansen.

Contributions from middle and lower order

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav made 30 off 16 balls, though some of his trademark leg-side flicks didn’t come off, and he survived a drop on 18. Vice-captain Axar Patel hit 35 off 23 balls, while Hardik Pandya provided late fireworks, smashing 30 off 10 balls with three sixes and two fours before falling to Corbin Bosch.

Rinku Singh, unfortunately, was hit on the helmet by a Bosch delivery and managed 16 runs. Overall, India finished the warm-up on a high note, with Kishan leading the charge brilliantly.

(With PTI Inputs)