Hamilton: India suffered a sudden collapse after their explosive start in the fifth T20I against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton. After reaching 111/2 in 10 overs, India have now slipped to 134/5 after 14 overs.
India began the innings aggressively after New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl. However, the hosts have fought back strongly in the middle overs, claiming three wickets in the last five overs.
The latest dismissal was that of Tilak Varma, who made just 6 runs from 8 balls. He was dismissed by Nathan Smith at 13.4 overs, caught and bowled, with India reaching 133/5.
India have now lost five wickets, putting some pressure on the lower-middle order to rebuild the innings and provide a strong finish.
At the crease are Nitish Kumar Reddy and Naman Dhir. Nitish is unbeaten on 1 from 2 balls, while Naman Dhir has scored 5 from 8 deliveries.
New Zealand's Nathan Smith has been the standout bowler so far. He has taken 2 wickets for 28 runs in three overs, while Mitchell Santner has conceded 29 runs from his three overs without taking a wicket.
India's innings had earlier been powered by Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, who put together a rapid partnership and took the attack to the New Zealand bowlers. However, their dismissals triggered a mini-collapse, with India losing wickets regularly during the middle overs.
The visitors still have six overs remaining and will be hoping their remaining batters can accelerate in the final phase and push the total towards a competitive score.
India's current run rate stands at 9.57, but they will need to regain momentum quickly after losing three wickets in the last five overs.
India: 134/5 after 14 overs
Nitish Kumar Reddy: 1* (2)
Naman Dhir: 5* (8)
Last wicket: Tilak Varma c & b Nathan Smith 6 (8)
Nathan Smith: 3-0-28-2
Last 5 overs: 50 runs, 3 wickets
Current Run Rate: 9.57
