HAMILTON, New Zealand — Adam Milne claimed 4 for 19 and half-centuries from Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips powered New Zealand to a seven-wicket victory over India in the final T20 International, leveling the five-match series at 3-2.
Opting to bat first, India lost early wickets to New Zealand's pace attack, with Abhishek Sharma caught trying to loft Milne and Sanju Samson dismissed after a leading edge. Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer rebuilt the innings with fifties, and India reached 111 for 2 at the halfway stage. However, New Zealand struck back in the second half, with Milne and the seamers pinning India down. India were eventually restricted to 191 for 8.
New Zealand's chase got off to a shaky start when Finn Allen was caught by Arshdeep Singh attempting a pull. But Tim Seifert, given a lifeline when Naman Dhir dropped him off Arshdeep, capitalised with power-hitting. Seifert reached 50 off 34 balls and was joined by Glenn Phillips, who remained unbeaten on 65 off 38. The pair guided New Zealand to the target in 18 overs, with Seifert falling just short of a century when he inside-edged one onto his stumps.
The series outcome underscores the fine margins between the two sides in this closely contested format. New Zealand's pace attack, led by Milne, was instrumental in restricting India, while the batting depth was tested and found wanting in the final overs.
