Hamilton: India posted a competitive 191/8 in 20 overs against New Zealand in the fifth T20I at Seddon Park, Hamilton. After a blistering start, India lost momentum in the middle and late overs but still managed to finish strongly enough to set New Zealand a challenging target.
India were in a commanding position when Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were at the crease. Their explosive partnership had raised hopes of a total around 220, but New Zealand fought back with regular wickets.
India scored 47 runs in the final five overs while losing three wickets. The innings ended with India on 191/8, leaving New Zealand a target of 192 runs to win.
The final over, bowled by Adam Milne, produced seven runs and two wickets. Milne first dismissed Bhuvneshwar Kumar for 6 off 4 balls, with Daryl Mitchell taking a well-judged catch at long-on. Milne then conceded a single to Arshdeep Singh as India finished on 191.
Milne was the standout bowler for New Zealand, finishing with outstanding figures of 4/19 from four overs. His economical spell played a major role in preventing India from reaching the 210-plus total that had appeared possible earlier.
Blair Tickner also picked up two wickets, conceding 38 runs in his four overs.
India's innings was built around the aggressive batting of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer. The pair put New Zealand under immense pressure during the powerplay and middle overs, with India maintaining a high scoring rate.
However, once the partnership was broken, New Zealand's bowlers regained control and India began losing wickets at regular intervals.
Despite the late setbacks, India's final score of 191/8 gives them a substantial total to defend. New Zealand now need 192 runs from 20 overs to win the fifth T20I.
With the pitch at Seddon Park expected to offer opportunities for both batters and bowlers, the chase promises to be an exciting contest.
India: 191/8 (20 overs)
Target for New Zealand: 192
Adam Milne: 4-0-19-4
Blair Tickner: 4-0-38-2
Last wicket: Bhuvneshwar Kumar c Daryl Mitchell b Adam Milne 6 (4)
Last 5 overs: 47 runs, 3 wickets