New Zealand finished their T20I series against India on a winning note, securing a convincing seven-wicket victory in the fifth and final match at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on November 1, 2026. Tim Seifert led a commanding run chase with 93 off 50 balls, while Glenn Phillips provided excellent support with an unbeaten 65 as the hosts reached their target of 192 in just 18 overs.
After winning the toss, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner elected to field first. India responded by posting 191/8 in their allotted 20 overs, setting the home side a competitive target.
Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer Lead India's Batting Effort
India lost early wickets as Adam Milne dismissed Abhishek Sharma for one and Sanju Samson for four. However, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings with an important partnership.
Kishan played an aggressive knock of 61 from 32 deliveries, striking five fours and five sixes. Iyer continued the momentum with a quickfire 50 off 23 balls, including three fours and four sixes.
After their dismissals, Naman Dhir contributed 33 from 23 deliveries, while Nitish Kumar Reddy added 22 off 17 balls. India eventually finished on 191/8.
Adam Milne was New Zealand's standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 19 runs in his four overs. Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner picked up two wickets apiece.
Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips Dominate the Chase
New Zealand began their pursuit positively, although Finn Allen fell for two early in the innings. Daryl Mitchell then contributed 29 from 16 balls, helping maintain the scoring rate.
Seifert took control of the chase with an outstanding innings of 93 from just 50 deliveries. His knock included 11 fours and five sixes, keeping the required run rate comfortably within reach.
Phillips was equally impressive, scoring an unbeaten 65 off 38 balls with eight fours and three sixes. The pair combined to take the game away from India and put New Zealand firmly in control.
Seifert was dismissed at 168/3 in the 15.3-over mark, but Phillips remained at the crease alongside Bevon Jacobs, who finished unbeaten on one.
New Zealand completed the chase at 195/3 in 18 overs, winning by seven wickets with 12 balls remaining.
New Zealand End the Series with a Win
India had already secured the five-match series after winning the first three T20Is. New Zealand's victory in the fourth match and their successful chase in Hamilton meant India finished the series with a 3-2 advantage.
Seifert's 93 and Phillips' unbeaten 65 were the defining contributions in New Zealand's successful chase, while Milne's four-wicket haul had earlier restricted India's scoring opportunities.
The result gave New Zealand a positive finish to the home series, even as India retained the overall series victory.
Match result:
India: 191/8 (20 overs)
New Zealand: 195/3 (18 overs)
Top scorer: Tim Seifert – 93 (50)
Second highest: Glenn Phillips – 65* (38)
Best bowler: Adam Milne – 4/19
Series result: India won 3–2.Match result
Player of the Match: Adam Milne (New Zealand)
Adam Milne claimed 4 wickets for 19 runs in 4 overs, playing a key role in restricting India to 191/8 in the 5th T20I.
