Hamilton: New Zealand produced a commanding batting performance to defeat India by seven wickets in the fifth and final T20I of the India tour of New Zealand 2026 at Seddon Park, Hamilton.

Chasing a target of 192 runs, New Zealand reached 195/3 in 18 overs, completing the victory with 12 balls to spare.

Phillips Leads New Zealand to Victory

Glenn Phillips was the star of the chase, remaining unbeaten on a spectacular 65 off 38 balls. His innings included eight fours and three sixes, coming at a strike rate of 171.05.

Phillips finished the match in style, smashing two consecutive boundaries off Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 18th over. The second four brought the scores level before New Zealand completed the chase.

Earlier, Tim Seifert played a sensational knock of 93 runs from 50 balls, smashing 10 fours and five sixes. His aggressive innings laid the foundation for New Zealand's successful run chase.

Seifert was eventually bowled by Nitish Kumar Reddy at 168/3 in the 15.3rd over, but Phillips ensured there was no late drama.

India Struggle to Defend 191

India had posted 191/8 in their 20 overs, setting New Zealand a challenging target of 192. However, the hosts maintained a scoring rate above 10 runs per over for much of the chase.

India's bowlers struggled to contain the New Zealand batters. Arshdeep Singh was India's most successful bowler, finishing with figures of 4-0-40-1.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled four overs and conceded 41 runs without taking a wicket.

Phillips Creates Series Record

Phillips also created a major statistical milestone during the chase. His two-run shot in the 18th over took his tally in the bilateral T20I series to 332 runs, making him the player with the most runs in a bilateral T20I series.

The right-hander's explosive batting proved decisive as New Zealand chased down India's total with ease.

Match Result

India: 191/8 (20 overs)
New Zealand: 195/3 (18 overs)
Result: New Zealand won by 7 wickets

Glenn Phillips was unbeaten on 65 off 38 balls, while Bevon Jacobs finished unbeaten on 1.

New Zealand's victory capped off an impressive chase, with Phillips and Seifert combining to put India under relentless pressure. India had no answer to New Zealand's attacking batting at Seddon Park.