Hamilton, November 1 (SPORTS DESK)
New Zealand finished their five-match T20 International series against India on a winning note, defeating the visitors by seven wickets in the fifth and final T20I at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
Chasing India’s total of 191/8, New Zealand produced a powerful batting performance, reaching 195/3 in just 18 overs to seal victory with 12 balls to spare. Fast bowler Adam Milne was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling figures of 4/19, while Glenn Phillips received the Player of the Series award.
India Post 191/8 After Iyer and Kishan Fight Back
India, batting first after losing the toss, suffered an early setback as Adam Milne removed Abhishek Sharma. The New Zealand bowlers maintained pressure during the opening overs, and India found themselves in trouble before a superb recovery from captain Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan changed the momentum.
Ishan Kishan played an aggressive innings of 61 off 32 balls, hitting five fours and five sixes. Shreyas Iyer provided excellent support, scoring 50 from just 23 deliveries, including three fours and four sixes. Their 93-run partnership for the third wicket brought India back into the contest.
However, New Zealand fought back with timely wickets. Naman Dhir added a useful 33 off 23 balls, while Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed 22 off 17 deliveries. Their 46-run partnership helped India push towards the 200-run mark.
Milne proved decisive in the closing stages, finishing with outstanding figures of 4 wickets for 19 runs in four overs. Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner also claimed two wickets each as India were restricted to 191/8 in 20 overs.
New Zealand Chase Down 192-Run Target in Just 18 Overs
New Zealand began their chase positively and maintained an aggressive scoring rate throughout the innings. Opener Tim Seifert led the charge with a brilliant 93 off 50 balls, keeping the required run rate under control and putting the Indian bowling attack under sustained pressure.
The hosts lost only three wickets during the chase and continued to score freely. Seifert’s outstanding innings ensured New Zealand remained firmly in control, and the home side eventually reached 195/3 in 18 overs, completing the chase with two overs to spare.
The seven-wicket victory gave New Zealand a second consecutive win after India had dominated the first three matches.
Adam Milne’s Match-Winning Bowling Performance
Fast bowler Adam Milne was the standout performer with the ball, claiming four wickets for just 19 runs in his four overs. His disciplined bowling and ability to strike at crucial moments prevented India from reaching a bigger total.
Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner also made important contributions, picking up two wickets apiece. Their combined effort helped New Zealand restrict India to 191/8 despite the strong batting performances from Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer.
India vs New Zealand: 5th T20I – Match Summary
India
191/8
20 overs · First innings
New Zealand
195/3
18 overs · Target achieved
Player of the Match
Adam Milne – 4/19
Player of the Series
Glenn Phillips
Venue
Seddon Park, Hamilton
Date
November 1, 2026
India’s Top Batting Performances
| Batter | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Ishan Kishan | 61 | 32 |
| Shreyas Iyer | 50 | 23 |
| Naman Dhir | 33 | 23 |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | 22 | 17 |
| Tilak Varma | 6 | 8 |
| Sanju Samson | 4 | 10 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 1 | 2 |
Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were the leading contributors, while Naman Dhir and Nitish Kumar Reddy added valuable runs in the middle and lower order.
New Zealand Bowling Highlights
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Milne | 4 | 19 | 4 |
| Nathan Smith | — | — | 2 |
| Blair Tickner | — | — | 2 |
Milne’s figures are confirmed; the other bowling figures are not fully reproduced here.
Series Result: India Win 3–2
India had made a commanding start to the series, winning the first three T20Is in Christchurch and Wellington to establish a 3–0 lead.
However, New Zealand fought back strongly in the final two matches:
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1st T20I: India won by 4 wickets.
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2nd T20I: India won by 4 wickets.
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3rd T20I: India won by 6 wickets.
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4th T20I: New Zealand won by 87 runs.
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5th T20I: New Zealand won by 7 wickets.
New Zealand’s consecutive victories in Auckland and Hamilton reduced the final series margin to 3–2 in India’s favour. Despite losing the final two games, India secured the five-match series.
Awards
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Player of the Match: Adam Milne (New Zealand) – 4 wickets for 19 runs.
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Player of the Series: Glenn Phillips (New Zealand).
Glenn Phillips was recognised for his outstanding contribution throughout the series, including his magnificent century of 107 runs in the fourth T20I at Auckland.
