The Black Caps won the 5th T20I all thanks to Man of the Match Adam Milne’s four-fer along with Tim Seifert’s 93 and Glenn Phillips 65* at Seddon Park, Hamilton. India reigned supreme during the series but the Black Caps came from behind to clinch two consolation wins. 

Shreyas-Ishan’s crucial half-tons, one statement partnership built on intent and impact

Ishan Kishan and skipper Shreyas Iyer turned the tide as they were looking to rebuild India’s innings. Both batters produced their A game in the middle, as they combined solid technique with an attacking intent. Ishan took the aggressive route while Shreyas complemented him well at the other end with fearless stroke play. They found the boundaries at regular intervals and laid the foundation for a strong finish with a 93 runs partnership. Ishan now holds the record for most T20I runs by an Indian in a calendar year- 1220 runs.

Ishan smashed 61(32), which included five fours and five sixes but was later caught by Nathan Smith at the 10.2 over mark, while Shreyas Iyer’s wicket fell in the very next over on 50(23). At this stage of the contest, the visitors were 123/4 in 11.3 overs.

Handy cameo’s from Naman-Nitish, Adam Milne grabs a four-fer

Our very own Naman Dhir chipped in with a valuable 33 off 23 balls, aced with four fours and one six while Nitish Reddy added 22(17). They provided the innings with a timely push showing great intent. Both ensured the scoreboard kept ticking with runs. Their late flourish added firepower during the death overs. A 46 runs stand was stitched between the two batters, as they tried their best to help India reach a fighting total.

The Black Caps kept picking wickets when it mattered the most. Adam Milne impressed fans… as he snapped up a four-wicket haul, (4/19) in his four overs spell. India ended with 191/8 in 20 overs.

Tim Seifert’s splendid half ton keeps the Kiwi fight alive…

Tim Seifert produced a fight back with a cracking 93(50), which included 11 fours and five huge sixes, keeping the Black Caps firmly in the hunt. Displaying a blend of stylish shots with composure, the opener found the gaps with ease and was not afraid to smash aerial shots. He took the attack back to the Indian bowlers, who were left with no answers. His determined knock gave the hosts a lot of momentum they were looking for. At the 10 overs mark, New Zealand was 96/2.

Phillips provided the finishing touch for New Zealand

Player of the Series and run machine Glenn Phillips smashed another valuable unbeaten 65 in 38 balls, with eight fours and three sixes which eventually helped the Kiwis win the fifth T20I by seven wickets. Phillips also holds the record for most runs in a bilateral T20I series- 341 runs.      

Brief Scores

India: 191/8 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 61, Shreyas Iyer 50; Adam Milne 4/19) lost to New Zealand: 195/3 in 18 overs (Tim Seifert 93, Glenn Phillips 65*; Nitish Reddy 1/19) by seven wickets.