NZ vs IND 5th T20I Results

11:03 AM IST The Indian captain - Shreyas Iyer says that they could have done better, especially after the start they got in the middle overs. He admits they lost back-to-back wickets from there, and notes that it was not an easy wicket to bat on, with the hard length proving challenging. Iyer feels 191 was a reasonable total, but admits that they could have been better with both bowling and fielding, which he describes as sloppy. He calls the series a great learning curve, saying the first three games helped them settle into a rhythm, while the last two gave them a chance to experiment and challenge themselves. He adds that the boys are in high spirits and that touring overseas always tests a side in different ways. Admits that there are a few areas to work on, especially fielding, though he notes that the clear skies make conditions here different from what they are used to in India.

11:01 AM IST PLAYER OF THE SERIES - It's Glenn Phillips, without any second thoughts, who takes home the award. He was the most consistent batter throughout the series, smashing three fifties and a century. Overall, he scored 341 runs in five matches. He begins by saying that going out with a clear mind makes a big difference. Adds that he tried to be more of a hunter than prey, and understood that taking on the spin would be crucial. Details that when Varun came back, it felt like a make-or-break over, so he wanted to take that risk. On the upcoming ODIs, Phillips says the series will give the boys a lot of confidence. He adds that the 50-over format is slightly longer, so they would like to spend more time out in the middle. Lastly, when he is asked about the hamstring, he says with a smile that it's doing pretty well.

11:01 AM IST On to the next leg - Shreyas Iyer collects the trophy and walks over to his teammates for the photographs. India have clinched the five-match T20I series 3-2, but they know it could have ended on a better note. And there is no hiding from the fact that their bowling has taken a proper hammering over the last ten T20Is, dating back to the home series against West Indies, which ended in a stalemate. New Zealand will take plenty of heart from their showing across the series, especially the way they finished strong by getting the job done in the last two games. They head into the ODI series with plenty of positivity and momentum. Righto, the T20I series is done and dusted, but this is an all-format tour, and there is no time to rest. Up next, the two teams go head-to-head in a highly anticipated five-match ODI series, beginning Wednesday, 4 November. The first match will be played in Auckland's Eden Park, and the first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 2 am GMT (7.30 am IST). But as usual, do join us early for the buildup and analysis. Cheers!

10:58 AM IST Not enough on the board - India's innings began with a jolt, both openers gone and the scoreboard reading 21 for 2 after four overs, but Kishan and Iyer calmly rebuilt the house with a superb 93-run stand off just 43 balls. At that stage, 220 looked within touching distance. Then the innings lost its rhythm. Reddy and Dhir added a handy 46 off 30 balls for the sixth wicket, yet India managed only 47 in the last five overs, a finish that never quite matched the platform. Much of the credit goes to Milne, who was brilliant with the ball, finishing with outstanding figures of 4 for 19.

10:56 AM IST Plans fall flat - It was another forgettable outing for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who finished his comeback series with just one wicket and an economy rate of over ten runs per over in every game. Varun Chakaravarthy did get a wicket to his name, but he too could not apply the brakes as New Zealand kept the scoreboard motoring. India's gamble with Abhishek also backfired, with the batters finding boundaries regularly and never allowing any pressure to build. Barring Nitish Kumar Reddy, who bowled just two overs, every Indian bowler went at more than ten runs per over. Arshdeep and Prince too failed to make any meaningful impact.

10:54 AM IST Wielded the willow, and how - Timing was hard to come by against the new ball, and the Kiwis also lost Allen early. Seifert, struggling to find the middle of the bat and dropped on 13 by Dhir, dug in alongside Mitchell before cutting loose once the swing disappeared. Short on runs and desperate for a big score, Seifert made the most of his reprieve in every way, bringing up a superb half-century. He and Mitchell added 73 before Chakaravarthy removed Mitchell, and that proved to be India's final success. Phillips then joined Seifert, and the pair turned the contest completely one-sided with a relentless stream of boundaries. Although Seifert fell short of a century, he ensured the hosts were in a comfortable position, leaving India with no way back.