New Zealand made a strong start to their chase of 192 in the fifth and final T20I against India at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Tim Seifert led the home side's response with an attacking half-century as the hosts reached 140/2 in 13.2 overs at the latest update, needing another 52 runs from 41 deliveries.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to bowl first, backing his team's batting line-up to chase down India's target. India, led by Shreyas Iyer, posted 191/8 in their allotted 20 overs after being put in to bat.
India Post Competitive Total of 191/8
India's innings had an early setback, with Sanju Samson dismissed for four and Abhishek Sharma falling for one. Adam Milne struck twice to put the visitors under pressure during the powerplay.
However, Ishan Kishan and captain Shreyas Iyer rebuilt the innings with an important partnership. Kishan played an aggressive knock of 61 from 32 balls, hitting five fours and five sixes. Iyer provided further momentum with 50 off just 23 deliveries, including three fours and four sixes.
Their contributions helped India recover from the early wickets and build a competitive total. Naman Dhir added 33 from 23 balls, while Nitish Kumar Reddy scored 22 off 17 deliveries. Bhuvneshwar Kumar chipped in with six runs.
Adam Milne was New Zealand's most successful bowler, finishing with figures of 4/19 in four overs. Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner claimed two wickets apiece.
Tim Seifert Leads New Zealand's Response
Chasing 192, New Zealand began positively and kept the required run rate under control. Tim Seifert was the standout performer, reaching 80 from 45 balls, with eight boundaries and five sixes.
Glenn Phillips supported him at the other end, scoring an unbeaten 24 from 16 deliveries at the latest update. The pair kept New Zealand in a strong position as the chase moved into its middle overs.
At 140/2 after 13.2 overs, New Zealand needed 52 runs from 41 balls, with eight wickets remaining. Prince Yadav had conceded 25 runs from 2.2 overs without taking a wicket at that stage.
Match Situation and Series Context
India had already secured the five-match T20I series after winning the first three matches. New Zealand responded in the fourth T20I at Eden Park, Auckland, with an 87-run victory, powered by Glenn Phillips' 107 off 49 balls.
The fifth match therefore offered New Zealand an opportunity to finish the series with another win, while India aimed to close the tour on a positive note.
With Seifert well set and Phillips providing support, New Zealand were in a promising position at the 13.2-over mark. India needed wickets to put pressure back on the home side.
This report reflects the live score at 140/2 after 13.2 overs in New Zealand's innings. The final result and Player of the Match are not included because they were not shown in the supplied score updates.
