New Zealand defeated India by seven wickets in the fifth and final T20 International in Hamilton, successfully chasing a target of 192 runs in just 18 overs to end the series on a winning note. Batting first after winning the toss, India posted 191 for eight in their allotted 20 overs.
Ishan Kishan led India’s batting effort with an aggressive 61 off 32 balls, including five fours and five sixes. Captain Shreyas Iyer also made a significant contribution, scoring 50 off just 23 deliveries, with three fours and four sixes. Naman Dhir added 33 runs, while Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed 22 as India set New Zealand a target of 192.
For New Zealand, Adam Milne was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 19 runs in his four overs. Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner picked up two wickets each.
In reply, New Zealand made light work of the target, reaching 192 for three in 18 overs to seal a convincing seven-wicket victory. Tim Seifert starred with the bat, smashing 93 off 50 balls, including 11 fours and five sixes. Glenn Phillips remained unbeaten on 65 off 38 deliveries, hitting eight fours and three sixes, while Daryl Mitchell contributed 29 off 16 balls.
For India, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy and Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed one wicket each, but the bowlers failed to defend the target. Despite the defeat, India won the five-match T20I series 3-2.
India secured victories in the first three matches by four wickets, four wickets and six wickets, respectively, while New Zealand bounced back with an 87-run win in the fourth match before completing the series with a seven-wicket victory in the final encounter.
