India vs New Zealand, India tour of New Zealand, 2020

Right. The series ends 5-0 in favour of India. Do not go by that scoreline. India were definitely the better side but New Zealand have not been mauled. They found ways to hurt themselves from winning positions and hence, the scoreline reads so. Perhaps experience could help them, which might be visible come the ODIs. But again, India have been dominant in that format too. So how will that series go? Join us on Wednesday, 5th February, 2020 at 3 pm local (0200 GMT) for the first ODI from Hamilton. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

Virat Kohli gets across for a chat as well. Stresses that he is proud of the guys handling the pressure effectively, giving him a lot of satisfaction as a senior member as they have shown that they can take the team and momentum forward in the years to come. Hopes to lay down a collective vision in front of the young team and then hope that the young people understand that and replicate it in their lives. Is happy with the day-to-day routines accepted by the blokes and acknowledges that the team will not win everyday but close moments like the ones in this series will help the young team evolve. On his chat with Kane Williamson outside the boundary midway during the game, Kohli says that both of them have a similar mindset and lay down identical visions for the team. Stresses that in spite of the series scoreline, there is not much difference between the two sides and he believes that Williamson can take his team to a very bright future. Wishes the young Kiwi side all the best for an excellent future.

Victorious stand-in Indian skipper, KL Rahul, says that every win keeps building confidence. On Rohit's injury update, Rahul is not too sure but is hopeful of his skipper's fitness in the next couple of days. On winning the series 3-0 in the third game, Rahul says that the team was willing to try out a few different things and yet, managing to win. On trying new things before the ODI series, Rahul says that the next two days will be more of a relaxing period and enjoy the climate in New Zealand. Then, he says that once the ODI series begins, the focus will be back on.

New Zealand skipper for the day, TIM SOUTHEE, manages a smile. Feels unfortunate to be on the wrong side of the result again but credits his side to give India a run for their money. Stresses that there is not a massive gap between the two units, in spite of the series scoreline and it is all about doing those little things better. Details they need to find out ways to win key moments. On the upcoming ODIs, Southee feels that it will be different personnel coming in and it will be a nice change. Adds that it is a format where they have done well, so hopes to continue that form.

KL RAHUL HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE SERIES. Says that he is very happy with his form and also the team's series result, winning 5-0. Stresses that the team was always positive and confident entering this series and it was all about executing those skills learnt from the series against West Indies and Bangladesh back home. On his role in the World Cup squad, Rahul smiles and says that he is not looking that far and is just aiming to contribute and play well for his country.

JASPRIT BUMRAH HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH. Says that he is feeling very good after the win. Admits that the match got close at one point but says that the team believed in itself that with a couple of good overs and wickets, they could win. Since it is his first time here, Bumrah says that it took him a while to adjust to the conditions and the boundaries but adds that he eventually managed to adjust himself. Is happy with the experience of playing in windy conditions in New Zealand.

Earlier in the evening, India huffed and puffed their way to 163. They got off to a flier in the Powerplay but then got pegged back to some excellent bowling on a sluggish track. Rohit Sharma played a bizarre innings where he never looked settled but a freakish injury saw him retire hurt on 60, which dented at least 20-30 runs off the team's total. Hamish Bennett continued his resurgence, taking 1/21 in his 4 overs. Please stay tuned for the presentation...

Never count a champion out. Did people say that Jasprit Bumrah has lost his knack of picking up wickets? Think again. 4-1-12-3. Of course, the Kiwis were in a personal hole dug by themselves but what we did not see in the last 4 games, we got to see in this one. Yorkers finding their mark, ball zipping off the deck and making the batsmen hop around - not to bouncers or short stuff - but to length balls as batsmen were clueless as to which way will the ball move. Welcome back, Jasprit Bumrah. The other bowlers did their bit and luckily for India, the Shivam Dube over which went for 34 in the 10th, did not cost them the match. Jokes apart, it is high time the visitors started searching for another seaming all-rounder in Dube's place, if Hardik is not around for a while.

Got to feel for Tim Seifert. He was a part of all the three games where the Kiwis had a chance to win, only to see his side blow those chances up. Here, he and Taylor led a superb recovery, forging a 99-run stand for the fourth wicket, from 17/3, but still, their other mates found a way to lose. So poor-looking is the batting scorecard that the third highest scorer of the innings is Ish Sodhi with 16! They need a counsellor desperately.

Another sad ending for the Kiwis. Just look at the last three games - they could have won the series 3-2! But unfortunately for them, they could not capitalize on winning moments. Not sure how you can lose from such positions - 3 needed from 5 balls, 9 needed from 9 and 48 from 44 - all these in 3 separate games. But they did and hence, find themselves in such a situation. Their first ever whitewash at home.

19.6

1

5-0! Full and outside off once again, Sodhi can only manage to get a single towards third man off an outside edge. INDIA WIN BY 7 RUNS.

19.5

.

Swing and miss! Surely game over! Sodhi shows his disappointment. A length ball outside off, Sodhi has a wild swing but he misses.

19.4

6

SIX! Another one over the fence. 9 more needed off the 2 remaining balls. 2 boundaries and we will be witnessing hat-trick of Super Over. Poor stuff from Shardul. He bowls a slightly short of a length ball around middle, Sodhi swivels and hammers it over deep square leg for a massive six.

19.3

.

Swing and a miss! Goes full and outside off, Sodhi looks to drive but misses.

19.2

6

SIX! Huge! Super Over approaching? A back of a length ball around off, Sodhi goes on the back foot and powers it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. 15 more needed.

19.1

.

Knuckle ball around off, Sodhi swings hard but does not connect.

Shardul Thakur to bowl the final over of the innings. 3-0-25-2 from him so far.

18.6

.

Full and around off, Bennett keeps it out nicely. 21 more needed for the Kiwis.

18.5

1

An excellent yorker from Bumrah. Sodhi does well to squeeze it out towards point. He takes off for the run. Iyer picks the ball quickly and throws at the non-striker's end but misses. Had he hit, that would've been game over.

18.4

.

Good length ball around off and middle, Sodhi looks to put bat on ball but misses.

18.3

1

Quick run! But India won't mind. A very full ball on off, Bennett blocks it towards the off side and takes a quick run and Bumrah gets to the ball quickly.

Hamish Bennett is the last man in.

18.2

W

OUT! TIMBER! Another corker of a yorker from Bumrah and India are just 1 wicket away from inflicting a 5-0 whitewash. Bumrah bowls it on the leg stump line, Southee looks to drive but fails to get any bat on it. The ball crashes into the leg stump. 23 required from 10 balls.

18.1

1

Full and on the pads, Sodhi looks to flick but gets an inside edge on the pads. The ball rolls towards the off side and the batters cross over for a single.

Jasprit Bumrah to bowl the penultimate over of the game. Might as well be the last.

17.6

4

FOUR! Important boundary! A full ball outside off, Southee gets under the ball and lofts it over mid off for a boundary. 24 needed off the final 12 balls.

17.5

2

Back of a length ball on middle, Southee looks to pull but does not connect it well. He though manages to clear the mid on fielder and before the long on can move across to field, a couple of runs.

17.4

.

Missed out on a low full toss but this is smart bowling. Seeing Southee moving across the off side again, Saini bowls it outside off, Southee looks to paddle but misses.

17.3

.

Length ball outside off, Southee moves across to the off side and looks to pull towards the shorter side of the ground. He though misses and the ball sneaks through his legs.

17.2

1

Full and on off, Sodhi pushes it towards mid off and takes off for a single. The fielder there gets to the ball and underarms the throw but misses.

Ish Sodhi is the new man in.

17.1

W

OUT! Caught! There goes Taylor and probably the hopes of New Zealand. Excellent stuff from Saini. He lures Taylor into driving with a fuller ball outside off, Taylor obliges and looks to slam it through covers without any feet movement. The ball takes the outside edge and goes behind. Rahul there does not make any mistake. 31 more needed off 17 balls.

Navdeep Saini to bowl the 17th and his final over of the game.

16.6

1

Length ball around off, Taylor taps it towards short third man and takes a single. Just 4 off it and a couple of wickets.

Tim Southee, the skipper walks out to bat. His side have once again thrown the game away. Can he help Taylor provide a turnaround?

16.5

W

OUT! Caught! Another one bites the dust. What are New Zealand doing here? What is the need for Scott to play a shot like this? Only he can answer. A back of a length ball on middle, Kuggeleijn looks to pull but the he does not time it well. He finds Sundar at deep square leg to perfection. He is not going to drop chances like these. 32 needed off 19 legal balls.

16.4

1

Bangs a short ball on middle, Taylor looks to defend but he takes his eyes off. The ball hits him on the gloves and goes towards the off side. A single taken.

The new man in is Scott Kuggeleijn. He can hit the long ball, can he do that and help his side home?

16.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Santner falls now and New Zealand look like they are throwing this game away as well. Now, the whole pressure is on Ross Taylor. Slower one on off, Santner goes on his knees and tries to lift it over long on. He fails to time it perfectly and goes toward long on. Manish Pandey settles himself and takes a good catch. 33 required from 21 balls.

16.2

1

Full ball on middle, Taylor works it towards mid-wicket for a run.

16.1

1

Length ball on middle, Santner whips it to mid-wicket for a run.

Shardul Thakur returns. 2-0-21-0 are his numbers so far.

15.6

.

Play and a miss! Flatter outside off, once again it is close to the tramline. Taylor looks to sweep but misses. This time the umpire does not signal it as wide. It was a close call. Chahal finishes with the figures of 4-0-28-0.

15.6

1wd

WIDE! Too wide outside off, on the wrong end of the tramline. Ross lets it be and the umpire signals it as wide.

15.5

1

Flat outside off, Santner comes out and reaches for it on the off side for a single.

15.4

2

Tossed up outside off, Santner strokes it to deep cover and takes a single. The throw from the fielder there is a poor one and there is no backup which allows them to get the second with ease.

15.3

1

FIFTY! Taylor gets his seventh fifty in T20Is. Not much of a celebration from him as he knows that there is a lot of work to do yet. Flatter one on off, Taylor looks to cut but it goes off the bottom edge towards short third man for a single.

15.2

1

Floated outside off, Santner comes down the track and milks it to long on for another run.

15.1

1

Flighted outside off, Taylor looks to drive but the ball goes off the outer half towards short third man for a single.

Yuzvendra Chahal to bowl out. 3-0-21-0 from him so far.

14.6

1

Shorter delivery outside off, Taylor cuts but finds the backward point fielder. The fielder throws it to the bowler's end but misses. A single taken. Only three from the over.

14.5

1

Tossed up on off, Santner drives it to deep cover for a single.

14.4

.

Short outside off, Santner looks to punch it on the off side but gets an inside edge which goes to the left of the bowler.

14.3

1

Off spinner on middle and off, Taylor turns it with the spin towards square leg for a single.

14.2

.

Short outside off, Taylot cuts it but once again straight to Dube at point.

14.1

.

Flighted on off, Taylor strokes it to point.

Washington Sundar is brought back into the attack.

Mitchell Santner is the new man in.

13.6

W

OUT! TIMBER! That is a Jasprit Bumrah special. How many times have we seen Bumrah get wickets with a corker of a yorker? He bowls it on middle, Mitchell looks to dig it out but the ball sneaks under his bat and goes onto hit the middle stump. 45 runs more required from 36 balls. Are the Kiwis throwing another game away?

13.5

2

Full delivery on the pads, Mitchell flicks it towards deep mid-wicket. Daryl calls for a couple. The fielder throws it to the keeper but the batter makes it to the crease. Bumrah asks the umpire whether it is one short. The replays show that Mitchell had completed the first run.

13.4

1

Full and around off, pushed towards covers for a quick single.

13.3

.

Another length ball on middle, Taylor once again works it towards mid-wicket where Sundar dives to field but the ball parries just a bit away. No runs taken though.

13.2

.

Full and on middle, Taylor tucks it towards mid-wicket. A couple of dots now.

13.1

.

Length ball around off, pushed towards point.

12.6

.

Length ball on off, Daryl blocks it to point. Very good over from Navdeep Saini. 3 runs and a wicket from it.

12.5

.

Bouncer! A nasty welcome for Mitchell. He ducks under it.

Daryl Mitchell walks in next.

12.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Seifert departs after playing a knock of high caliber. Can India make a comeback from here? Saini bowls a back of a length delivery on middle, Seifert looks to whip it towards the deep mid-wicket region. It goes off the top half of the bat and the ball lobs to mid-wicket where Sanju Samson takes a simple catch. 48 more required from 44 balls.

12.3

1

On middle, Taylor nudges it towards mid on and gets to the other end.

12.2

1

FIFTY! Third T20I fifty for him. It has been a excellent innings from him. He is taking the team home. Fullish delivery outside off, Seifert drives it to deep cover for a single.

12.1

1

Good length delivery on off, Taylor once again tucks it to the side of the pitch on the leg side and calls for a single. Saini gets to the ball quickly and has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. Would have been interesting to see if he had hit then would Seifert's dive be enough.

Navdeep Saini returns. 2-0-13-0 from him so far.

11.6

.

Around off, watchfully defended.

11.5

4

FOUR! Pulled away right in the gap. Good length ball on off, Seifert stays in control of this shot and pulls it between deep mid-wicket and long on for a single.

11.4

1

Direct hit and it would have been close. On the pads, Taylor tucks it to the leg side and calls for a quick single. Seifert responds. Sundar gets to the ball quickly and has a shy at the keeper's end but he misses.

11.3

.

Full on off, RT defends it once again.

11.2

.

Full and coming in with the angle. Taylor defends it with a straight bat. New Zealand can afford to see off Bumrah here. No need to take any risk in this over.

11.1

1

Good length ball on off, Seifert tucks it to the leg side and gets a single.

Jasprit Bumrah is back on. His only over was a wicket maiden. Can he strike one more time to break this stand and pull India back in this game?

10.6

.

Floated on middle, Taylor taps it back to the bowler.

10.5

1

Follows the maximum with a smart single towards third man.

10.4

6

SIX! Easily done. Tossed up outside off, Seifert just plays it with the spin and beautifully lofts his drive over covers for a boundary.

10.3

1

Slower through the air on the pads, Taylor turns it behind square on the leg side and gets a single to bring up the 100 for New Zealand. 64 needed off 57 now.

10.2

.

Flighted on off, Taylor drives it to cover.

10.1

1

Chahal floats it on middle and leg, Seifert nudges it through mid on for a run.

9.6

6

SIX! 34 from the over and New Zealand are right on top here. Dube dishes a short one on middle, Taylor pulls it over the deep mid-wicket for a biggie. They need 66 from the last ten overs.

9.5

6

SIX! Taylor makes full use of the Free Hit. Full delivery on middle, Taylor whips it over the deep mid-wicket region for a biggie.

FREE HIT TIME!!!

9.5

5nb

NO BALL AND FOUR! Dube is taking a real pasting here. Fullish ball on middle, Taylor whips it towards deep square leg. Washington Sundar comes across from deep mid-wicket but overruns the ball and slips. The ball goes past him and into the fence. It is also a no ball.

9.4

1

Shortish and around off, Seifert taps it through point for a single.

9.3

4

FOUR! Not where Seifert wanted it to go but he will not mind. Full ball on middle. Seifert looks to play the scoop but it takes the inner half of the bat and goes just past the off stump and into the fine leg fence.

9.2

6

SIX! Another one but this could've been gone in the hands too. Another short ball on middle from Dube. Seifert connects with the pull towards deep square leg. The fielder there is standing well ahead of the ropes. He tries to catch but the ball evades him to go over the ropes.

9.1

6

SIX! Welcome into the attack, Dube. What a strike from Seifert. A length ball angled into the batter, Seifert comes down the track and slams it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Shivam Dube is introduced into the attack.

8.6

1

Once again Chahal goes short and Seifert this time cuts it to deep point and keeps the strike. 9 from the over.

8.5

1

Short outside off, Tim cuts it towards deep point for a run.

8.4

1

Shorter on off, Seifert punches it towards cover and gets a run.

8.3

4

FOUR! Swept and swept really hard. Full and around off from Chahal, Seifert sweeps it hard and finds the gap between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for a boundary.

8.2

.

Loopy ball around off, turns a hint away as Seifert looks to push at it.

8.1

2

NOT OUT! Seifert can carry on. The dive has saved him there. Fuller ball on middle, Seifert sweeps it towards deep mid-wicket. Iyer runs forward, picks the ball quickly and fires the throw at the striker's end as the batters decide for the second. Rahul collects the ball and takes the bails off. The third umpire has been called for. The replays roll in and show that Seifert has done well to get in with the dive.

Is Seifert short? That could be a massive blow! Replay time. Just in, with the dive.

7.6

2

Take a bow! Sanju Samson. What a piece of fielding from Samson. Saved four runs for his side. Full delivery on middle, Taylor looks to hammer it over deep mid-wicket. The ball looks like it is going over the ropes but Samson dives, catches the ball and just before he falls on the ground, he throws the ball back in. The umpire wants to check whether it is a clean save. The replays roll in and they show that Samson has done a terrific job. Only two in the end.

7.5

4

FOUR! Whipped away. Fullish on middle, Taylor whips it over the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

7.5

1wd

WIDE! Bouncer bounces too high and goes over the head of Ross. Wided by the umpire.

7.4

1

Outside off, Seifert cuts it away from point and gets a single.

7.3

1

Ohh! Taylor is lucky to get away with that. Length delivery outside off, Taylor looks to pulll but the ball keeps a bit low and takes the inside edge of his bat. It hits his calf and rolls behind, past the stumps. Allowing them to take a single.

7.2

1

Good length ball on off, Seifert whips it towards long on and gets to the other end.

7.1

1

Good length ball around off, Taylor runs it down to third man and gets a single.

Shardul Thakur is back on! 1-0-10-0 from him so far.

6.6

.

Tidy start from Chahal. Just 3 from his first. Shorter on off, Seifert blocks it to get through the over.

6.5

1

Good stop, probably saved three runs for his side. Tossed up on off, Taylor drives it to the right of cover. Manish Pandey there dives and saves it. Keeping it down to one.

6.4

1

Flighted on off, Seifert milks it towards long off and gets a single.

6.3

1

Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Taylor nudges it towards mid on and gets a run.

6.2

.

Beauty! Slower through the air and short. It turns off the surface, Taylor looks to defend but misses.

6.1

.

Chahal starts with a very slow leg spinner on off and middle. Taylor pushes it to mid off.

Yuzvendra Chahal comes to bowl now.

5.6

1lb

Short ball on middle, Taylor looks to pull but it hits the pads and rolls to point. The batters steal a leg bye. New Zealand are 41/3 after the Powerplay. India were 53/1 at this stage.

5.5

4

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Another full ball which is angled into the batter, Taylor once again flicks and this time the ball goes to the deep square leg fence.

5.4

4

FOUR! That was hit with power! A full ball around off, Taylor uses his wrists and whips it to deep mid-wicket fence.

5.3

.

Short of a length ball around off, Taylor goes for the pull but connects only with thin air.

5.2

.

Stifled appeal but the umpire turns it down. Height looked to be an issue and also probably going down. Good length ball pitching on off and coming in. Taylor comes inside the line and looks to flick it over on the leg side but misses. The ball hits him on his pad. There is a hopeful appeal but the umpire is unmoved.

5.1

.

Fuller and coming in on off, Taylor defends it with a dead bat.

4.6

.

Length delivery around leg, Tim flicks it to mid-wicket and gets through the over. 10 from it and the pressure has been released with this over.

4.5

4

TOP EDGED AND FOUR! Short ball on the body, Seifert looks to pull but gets a top edge which flies towards the vacant fine leg region. The ball bounces a couple of times inside the ropes and then touches the fence. Very good over for New Zealand so far.

4.4

.

Length delivery outside off, Seifert punches it to cover.

4.3

1

Very good ball. It is very full, almost a yorker on middle and off. Taylor manages to dig it out to the right of mid on and takes a single.

4.2

.

Good length ball on off, Taylor defends it towards mid on.

4.1

4

FOUR! On the pads and Taylor glances it nicely! A very full ball on the pads of Taylor, he flicks it off his pads. There is no protection in the deep and the ball races away to the fence.

4.1

1wd

WIDE! False start from Thakur as he slips this one down the leg side. Taylor lets it be.

Change in bowling! Shardul Thakur is on now.

3.6

4

FOUR! Nicely cut away! Short ball outside off, Seifert cuts it through the point region for a boundary.

3.5

1

Shortish and on middle, Taylor tucks it behind square leg for a single to get off the mark.

3.4

.

Length ball angled into the batter, Taylor works it towards mid-wicket.

3.3

.

Around off, it is defended.

Ross Taylor is the new man in. He is playing his 100th T20I match. Can he deliver for his side here?

3.2

W

OUT! RUN OUT! Bruce is out of the crease and he will have to go. This was a terrible mix-up. Full delivery on off, Seifert drives it to cover. Seifert takes off for a single but Bruce is not interested. He sees Tim has almost reached the non-striker's end and then takes off. Samson at cover is in deep though as to throw it to Saini or go for a direct hit. He goes for the latter but he misses the stumps. Luckily for him, Rahul comes ahead and whips the bails off. The replays roll in and they show that Bruce was out of his crease. New Zealand sink further into trouble.

Run out appeal taken upstairs. This can be a disaster for the Kiwis. What a mix-up. Indians are looking confident. Replay time! Tom Bruce is well short.

3.1

.

Saini bowls it on a length around off first up. Seifert defends it with a dead bat.

Navdeep Saini comes into the attack now.

2.6

.

Shorter and around off, tapped towards cover-point. Excellent over from Sundar after conceding 10 off the first two balls.

2.5

.

Floated around off and middle, Bruce comes forward and blocks.

2.4

.

Flatter and around off, pushed towards point.

New Zealand in trouble and Tom Bruce walks out to bat. Can he be the man to take them out of it?

2.3

W

OUT! TIMBER! Excellent comeback from Sundar. After being hit for a six and a four of the previous two deliveries, Sundar takes his revenge. Sundar comes around the wicket and bowls a quicker delivery on leg, Munro looks to cut but fails. The ball goes onto hit the leg stump.

2.2

4

FOUR! This time Munro backs away to the leg side and pummels the short ball over the bowler's head. One bounce and into the fence.

2.1

6

SIX! Swept away! A full ball around off, Munro gets in position and slogs it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

1.6

.

Back of a length on off, TS defends it to get through the over. What a start from Bumrah! It's a wicket maiden from the speedster.

1.5

.

Another super delivery. Good length ball on middle and leg, Seifert blocks it.

1.4

.

Superb delivery from Bumrah. Bowls it with pace just outside off, Seifert thinks this is coming in with the angle but the ball straightens up and squares up Tim.

1.3

W

OUT! LBW! The time to take the review is over and Guptill has to go. Good start for India. Good length on off, which skids on from the surface. Guptill looks to flick but misses to get flush on the pads. Bumrah and the rest put in an appeal. The umpire agrees with them and raises his finger. It looks out to the naked eye. Guptill and Munro are involved in a discussion to take the review but time is finished. Wait a minute, the Ball Tracker rolls in and it shows that the ball was missing the stumps! Tim Seifert comes in at number 3.

With a wicket in the second over, the Kiwis need a big effort from their remaining players. And, without Williamson, the task becomes even more tougher for the hosts.

1.2

.

Length delivery which comes in with the angle. Guptill tucks it to the leg side.

1.1

.

Bumrah starts with a good length delivery around off, Guptil taps it towards point.

Jasprit Bumrah to bowl from the other end.

0.6

4

FOUR! Nicely played! Short ball on middle, Munro pulls it to the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary. 7 from the first over.

0.5

1

Slower through the air and around off, Guptill pushes it towards covers and crosses over for a single.

0.4

1

Bowls it short and outside off, Munro cuts but Iyer dives to his right and saves runs. A single taken.

0.3

.

Flighted ball outside off, driven to mid off.

0.2

1

Quicker one on the pads, Guptill flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

0.1

.

Leading edge on the first ball! A floated ball around off, Guptill looks to tuck it towards the leg side but gets a soft leading edge towards covers.

We are back for the run chase. Colin Munro and Martin Guptill, the two Kiwi openers walk out to the middle. Washington Sundar will start the proceedings for the Indians. Here we go...

So, 164 is the target for New Zealand to avoid a series whitewash. It is a tricky score and the hosts know what happened in the last two games. The Kiwis have the momentum heading into the break. Can India pull another rabbit out of the hat or will New Zealand finally get over the line? Join us in awhile to fond out.

A very good bowling performance from the hosts. They were clearly the second best side in the first 10 overs but the way they have managed to restrict India is commendable. Hamish Bennett and Scott Kuggeleijn were excellent as they gave away just 46 and picked up three amongst themselves from their 8. Sodhi was again economical, Southee personally had a torrid time as he ended up conceding 52 from his 4. But the Kiwi skipper will be happy with his side's overall performance.

After opting to bat, Sanju Samson once again failed to make a mark in the side. Rahul though continued his tremendous form with the bat and Rohit too continued from where he left off in the 3rd T20I. The pair added 88 before Rahul departed. Rohit though continued his fine work but just when Iyer was struggling at the other end, the Indian skipper injured himself and couldn't continue. The struggles of Iyer and Dube saw India fail to reach even the 170-run mark when 190 looked on the cards around the halfway stage of the innings.

A supreme comeback from the Kiwis. They have managed to pull things back and have restricted India to a below average score on this venue. Just 79 from the last 10 overs and the hosts will be mightily impressed with their bowling effort.

19.6

1

Another slog attempt from Iyer fails and just a single to end the innings. A length ball around off, it is slower one. Iyer looks to pull but gets an inside edge on the body. They scamper through for a run. A decent finish from Southee after conceding 10 off the first 3 balls. INDIA FINISH WITH 163/3.

19.5

2

Full and outside off, Iyer once again does not connect it well. Good enough for a couple as it goes over the infield on the off side.

19.4

1

Very full ball around off, Pandey pushes it to long on for a single.

19.4

1wd

WIDE! Southee tries for a slower one outside off, Pandey lets it be. Called wide.

19.3

4

FOUR! Over covers now! Full but outside off, Pandey does well to reach out and squeeze it over point for a boundary now.

19.2

6

SIX! Much needed one for the Indians and it is Pandey who provides this one. One would wonder what he is doing languishing down the order. Southee bowls a full ball in the hitting zone of Pandey. He gets to the pitch and tonks it over wide long on for a six. 150 up for the Indians.

19.1

.

Full and outside off, Pandey drives hard but it goes straight to Southee.

Tim Southee to bowl the final over of the innings. 3-0-37-0 from him. Hasn't been a great game so far. Can he finish it off well?

18.6

.

Superb over from Scott. Dot to finish the over. Good length ball on top of off, Shreyas throws his bat at it but misses. A very good day with the ball for Kuggeleijn. He finishes with the figures of 4-0-25-2.

Manish Pandey joins Shreyas Iyer in the middle.

18.5

W

OUT! Caught! This time Dube is not lucky enough and Kuggeleijn gets the wicket he deserves. Smart bowling from the pacer. He rolls his finger on this one and takes the pace off as he knows Dube is throwing everything at it without getting any timing. Shivam once again clears his front leg and this time looks to heave it on the leg side. He does not time it at all. It goes very high in the sky but does not get the distance. That's the part that matters, the ball needs to carry the distance and this one does not. It goes towards the man at deep mid-wicket. Tom Bruce judges and takes the skier. Another failure for Dube with the bat. He has not had a good series with the willow in hand and fails to impress.

18.4

4

FOUR! Dube does not time it but does enough to get a boundary. Full and wide outside off, Dube clears his front leg and goes over covers. The ball is not timed well but has enough to go over the in-field for a boundary.

18.3

.

Full length ball outside off, Dube looks to slog sweep but gets an inside edge on the pads. Like Iyer, he too is trying to hit the ball little too hard.

18.2

.

Dropped! Tough chance though! A slower one around off, Dube looks to slam it to the right of the bowler but slowness of the ball means he mistimes it to that side. Kuggeleijn throws his hand to his right, the ball hits his palm hard and pops out. Tough chance but need to be taken at the international level.

18.1

1

Good length ball just outside off, Iyer moves towards the off side and flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Scott Kuggeleijn to bowl out. Interestingly this is the first time in the series that he is going to finish off his quota.

17.6

1

Yes, he can. Just a single off the last ball and 3 from the over. Full and outside off, Iyer pushes it to mid off for a run.

17.5

.

Another dot! Excellent stuff from Bennett. He bowls it very full ball outside off, Iyer looks to squeeze it out but misses. Can Bennett finish it well?

17.4

1lb

Full and on the pads, Dube looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards the leg side for a leg bye.

17.3

1

Full and outside off again, Iyer drills it well but this time finds Santner at cover. Santner though misfields and allows a run.

17.2

.

Another dot ball. Iyer is clearly struggling here. He looks to make room by moving towards the leg side. Bennett bowls it full and outside off, Iyer looks to reach out but misses.

17.1

.

Beaten! A good length ball outside off, Iyer look to force it towards off side but gets beaten.

Hamish Bennet returns.

16.6

1

Quicker one around off, Iyer goes on the back foot and looks to cut. However, it is too close for that shot and Iyer ends up getting a bottom edge for a single.

16.5

1

Dube is off the mark. A flatter one outside off, Dube pushes it past the diving bowler for a run.

Shivam Dube walks in place of Rohit Sharma.

Rohit is struggling and now he is in severe pain so he is off and that's a sensible decision as the series is wrapped up and there is no point risking a serious injury.

16.4

.

Now, he goes for the reverse sweep. That's not conventional Rohit. All he is trying to do now is get out or score quickly. He though finds the fielder at point. And once again he shows the pain.

16.3

.

Flatter and around off, pushed towards point.

16.2

6

SIX! There is issues with his calf but surely no issues with the power in the arms. Sodhi bowls a full ball in the arch of Rohit. He sits down and slog sweeps it over deep mid-wicket for a huge six. Someone in the crowd does reall well to pouch the ball well. Rohit though clearly looking struggling.

Rohit Sharma is in some pain there and the Indian physio comes out to the middle to check the issue. Looks like some problem with his calf. He is got taped and is not getting ready to resume his innings. There's still some grimace on his face. Gulps a sip of water and he is now ready.

16.1

1

Short and just outside off, Iyer looks to cut but the ball takes the bottom edge and goes towards short third man. A single is taken. Rohit is not looking comfortable here.

Bowling change! Ish Sodhi is back on!

15.6

.

Full and on off, pushed towards covers. 14 runs from Southee's 3rd over. Another poor one from the skipper.

15.5

2

A couple now! Fuller ball outside off, Rohit looks to cream it over cover but does not time it well. However, it is good enough to clear the off side infield for a couple of runs.

15.4

1

Short and outside off, pushed towards covers for a run.

15.3

6

SIX! Timed brilliantly! Southee bowls a slower one but the length is not right. Iyer pulls it over deep square leg where Sodhi tries to catch but the ball goes over him for another biggie.

15.2

1

Short and outside off, Rohit cuts it to sweeper cover for a run.

15.1

4

FOUR! Half century from the skipper! A back of a length ball outside off from Southee. Rohit pulls it with power and clears the man at mid off. Once the infield is cleared, no one will stop the boundary. Another top innings from Rohit.

Tim Southee is back on.

14.6

6

SIX! Slammed! This time Iyer nails his shot over extra cover. Santner flights this one and bowls it just outside off, Iyer comes down the track and launches it over deep extra cover for a biggie!

14.5

.

Around off, it is defended.

14.4

2

Dropped! That could've been one brilliant take had Bruce grabbed the ball there. A flighted ball around off, Iyer comes down the track and looks to loft it over long on but mistimes it. The ball goes high in the air towards long off. Bruce races to his right and then throws his right hand to catch. However, the ball hits his palm and comes out. A couple of runs for Iyer.

14.3

1

On the stumps, worked towards the leg side for a quick run.

14.2

1

Seeing the batter coming down the track, Santern fires it outside off, Iyer does well to push it to deep cover for a single.

14.1

1

Full and on middle, Rohit works it towards mid-wicket and thinks of a couple. However, Santenr does well to chase the ball and keep it to single.

13.6

1

Edged but safe. Good length ball outside off, Rohit comes down the track and looks to break the shackle. He ends up getting an outside edge which goes towards the vacant slip cordon. The man from third man cleans it up before the ropes. Just a single, the good news for India is Iyer can calm himself as Rohit will take the strike.

13.5

1

Bad ball and Bennett is lucky that it has not gone to the fence. Full on the pads, Iyer flicks it with power but there is a man at deep square leg so just a single.

13.4

.

Good length ball on off, Iyer punches it but cannot go past the fielder at point.

13.3

.

Now shows a bit of calm and dabs this length ball around off to backward point.

13.2

.

Shreyas looks to be under pressure now. Length ball over middle and leg, Shreyas looks to go over point. He goes hard at it but misses.

13.1

.

Almost dragged on! Good length delivery just outside off, Iyer looks to dab it towards third man but gets a thick outside edge which goes over the stumps.

12.6

1

On off, Iyer eases a single to deep cover to finish the over.

12.5

2

Full and just outside off, Iyer skips down the track and lofts it over extra cover. Tom Bruce from long off runs to his left and gets to the ball but not before Iyer returns for a couple of runs. Iyer will get some confidence with this shot as he timed it well.

12.4

.

Flatter and just outside off, Iyer mistimes his cut straight to the fielder at point. It looked like he is trying little too hard at the moment.

12.3

.

NOT OUT! Fuller and around off, Iyer pushes it towards covers and takes off. Rohit though sends him back. The fielder there picks the ball quickly and throws the ball to the keeper who whips the bails off. The third umpire has been called for. Replays roll in and confirm that Iyer's dive saved him there.

Run out appeal taken upstairs. Not much excitement from the Kiwis once again. And, the replays confirm why. Iyer made his crease with a dive.

12.2

.

Floated around off, it is defended towards covers.

12.1

.

Loopy ball around off, pushed towards point.

Bowling change! Change of ends for Santner. 2-0-22-0 from him so far.

11.6

1

Full and around off, drilled through covers for a single.

11.5

4

FOUR! Delightful, simply delightful. Overpitched, around middle, Iyer just flicks it through square leg, using his wrists and beats fine leg running to his left. The ball races to the square leg fence.

11.4

.

Fuller and around off, pushed towards point.

Shreyas Iyer walks out at number 4!

11.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT! The bowling change works for New Zealand and the man-in-form has to go. Good length ball on middle, Rahul looks to flick but it takes the leading edge and goes towards cover. Santner takes a few steps ahead and takes the simplest of catches. The Kiwis have picked one set batsman and they would hope that they pick up a few quick wickets to restrict the run flow.

11.2

1

Fuller and outside off, Rohit guides it towards third man for a run.

11.1

1

A length ball around off, worked towards mid-wicket for a single.

Hamish Bennett is back on.

10.6

1

Full and on middle, pushed towards long on for a single. Sodhi went after the ball as both the batters were thinking off for the second. However, the man at long on quickly came forward and denied the second.

10.5

1

Flighted ball outside off, Rohit eases a single through covers.

10.4

1

Shortish and around off, Rahul goes hard to pull but mistimes it towards long on for a run.

10.3

.

Quicker one just outside off, Rahul manages to cut it very late but finds the fielder.

10.2

1

Short and outside off, this time Rohit cuts it to deep cover for a run.

10.1

6

SIX! Rohit gives the charge and clears long off! Flighted ball around off, Rohit comes down the track to get to the pitch of the ball and hammer it over long off for a biggie.

9.6

4

FOUR! Deft touch. Flighted ball outside off, Rahul late cuts it past the third man fielder for a boundary. India are 84/1 at the half-way mark.

9.5

1

Follows the maximum with an easy single towards long off.

9.4

6

SIX! Now Rohit will get the maximum he so rightfully deserves. Santner drags it short on off, Rohit gets on his back foot and whacks his pull over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

9.3

2

Another good shot from Rohit but once again does not get a boundary. Flighted on off, Rohit drives it through covers. The fielder inside the circle dives and gets his hand to it. He takes the pace off allowing the fielder in the deep to save it before the ropes.

9.2

1

Shorter on off, Rahul punches it through covers for one.

9.1

1

Strong sweep but just a single. Flighted delivery outside off, Rohit gets down on one knee and drags his sweep with power but there is a man at deep mid-wicket in place so just one.

8.6

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

8.5

1

Flatter and on the pads, worked towards long on for a single. Rahul wanted the second there but Rohit says no.

8.4

4

FOUR! This is a poor delivery from Sodhi and it has been put away. A rank long hop outside off, Sharma stands tall and then cuts it over the point fielder for a boundary. One hand came off his bat but the ball still manages to go towards the fence.

8.3

1

Full again, Rahul this time pushes it to sweeper cover for a run.

8.2

.

Slower through the air and on a full length, pushed back to the bowler.

8.1

1

Full ball on middle, Rohit comes down the track and looks to flick but the ball takes the inner half of the bat and goes towards deep square leg for a single.

7.6

1

Bowls a quicker one on off and middle, Rohit punches it to long on for a single.

7.5

1

Loopy ball on off, pushed through mid off for a single.

7.4

1

Outside off, punched to deep cover for another easy run.

7.3

1

On the pads, worked towards mid-wicket for a single.

7.2

1

50-run stand is up between the two now! Another shortish length ball outside off, Rohit pushes it through covers for a single.

7.1

2

Santner starts with a short one outside off, Rahul punches it through point for couple of runs.

Spin from both the ends. Santner is introduced into the attack.

6.6

1

Quicker one outside off, this time Rohit taps it through point for a single. A tight start from Sodhi.

6.5

.

Short and outside off, Rohit punches it straight to the fielder at point.

6.4

1

Flatter and outside off, Rahul works it towards mid-wicket for a run.

6.3

.

Another one which is quick and outside off, Rahul once again finds the fielder at point.

6.2

.

Quicker one just outside off, Rahul cuts but finds the point fielder.

6.1

.

Sodhi starts with a loopy ball outside off, gives it quite a lot of air. Rahul pushes it towards covers.

Change in bowling. Straightaway after the Powerplay spin is introduced and it is going to be Ish Sodhi who will operate now.

5.6

1

Good length ball on off, Rahul pushes it to mid off for a single. India are 53/1 after the Powerplay.

5.5

1

Short one on middle, Rohit easily pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

5.4

.

Full and outside off, Rohit skips down the track and looks to slam it through covers. He though mistimes it and finds the fielder.

5.3

.

Stifled appeal but that looked to be missing leg. Fuller length ball on the pads, Rohit looks to heave it over the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads.

5.2

1

On the pads, Rahul nudges it towards mid-wicket and crosses over for a run.

5.1

6

SIX! The Nataraja shot comes out! Short ball on middle, Rahul plays the Nataraja shot over the deep square leg region for a biggie. 50 up for India in just 5.1 overs.

4.6

4

FOUR! Top shot! A back of a length ball angled in, Rohit moves inside his crease and pulls it over the man at short fine leg for a boundary. Another good over for the Indians.

4.5

2

Misfield and a couple! Slightly shortish ball around middle, Rohit pulls it towards deep mid-wicket. Tom Bruce there cannot pick the ball in the first go and allows an extra run.

4.4

2

Very full ball from Bennett, Rohit moves back and across, then flicks it wide of the man at deep square leg. Before the fielder can pick the ball, a couple of runs for the stand-in Indian skipper.

4.3

1

Another length ball on the line of the stumps. Rahul works it behind square leg for a run.

4.2

1

Landed on a length on middle, Rohit tucks it towards mid-wicket and takes a run.

4.1

.

Good length ball around off, Rohit, on the back foot, pushes it towards point.

Hamish Bennett is into the attack as the first bowling change of the game.

3.6

.

Good length ball around off and middle, worked towards the leg side.

3.6

5wd

FIVE WIDES! A very good over has been spoiled by this one and he will have to bowl an extra ball too. Kuggeleijn tries to angle the ball in but this time he pitches it on middle and the ball keeps going away. Rahul looks to pull but it goes beyond his reach and the reach of the keeper to who makes a full length dive to his left but cannot get his hands to it.

3.5

1

Length ball outside off, Rohit dabs it down to third man for a single.

A slip in place now.

3.4

.

Beaten! A beauty from Kuggeleijn. He pitches it on a length just outside off. It pitches it and then straightens, Rohit looks to defend but gets beaten. The Indian skipper is a lucky man not to edge that one.

3.3

1

Length ball on middle, Rahul nudges it towards mid-wicket and changes ends.

3.2

2

A couple for Rahul now! Full ball on middle, Rahul uses his wrists and flicks it to the right side of the man at deep square leg. Before Munro come across to field, Rahul returns for a brace.

3.1

.

Length ball on middle, worked towards mid-wicket by Rahul.

2.6

.

Full and around off, pushed towards mid off. Expensive second over from Southee, gives India the momentum now. 15 from it.

2.5

1

On the pads this time, Rahul tucks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

2.4

4

FOUR! Now through the other side of the ground! A short of a length ball on middle, Rahul goes on the back foot and pulls it to the deep square leg fence.

2.3

4

FOUR! Cut away! Rahul showing all his class in the final T20I too. A short of a length ball just outside off, Rahul gets on his toes and punches it through point. Once it goes past the fielder, there is no stopping that.

2.2

.

Southee bowls a length ball and angles it into the batter, Rahul stays on the back foot and keeps it out.

False start for Southee.

2.1

6

SIX! Classsssy! Wow! Just the extension of the arms and it sails over. A fuller ball outside off from Southee, Rahul gets underneath the ball and lofts it over extra cover for a maximum. First one of the innings and it is an 84-meter biggie!

1.6

2

Rohit is off the mark with a very good looking stroke! A fuller ball outside off, Rohit gently pushes it through covers and bags a couple of runs. End of a successful over for the Kiwis though. 2 runs and a wicket from it. Top start for Kuggeleijn.

1.5

.

Another good length ball which is angled into the body, Rohit works it towards the leg side.

1.4

.

Length ball angled into the batter, Rohit waits and then taps it towards slip. Kuggeleijn tumbles in his followthrough but he is quickjly back up on his feet. No injury.

Rohit Sharma, the skipper for the night comes out at number 3.

1.3

W

OUT! Caught! Hit really hard but straight to fielder. It is another full ball outside off, Samson drills it hard but it goes straight to Santner at covers. He is not going to miss out chances like these. New Zealand strike early and Samson once again fails to make amends of the chance he is getting.

1.2

.

Beaten! This time Kuggeleijn bowls a fuller one outside off, Samson is lured into the drive away from his body to get beaten.

1.1

.

Kuggeleijn starts with a good length ball outside off, Samson punches it well but finds Guptill at point.

Scott Kuggeleijn to partner Tim Southee from the other end.

0.6

1

Another short of a length ball, Samson easily nudges it behind square leg for a run. 8 from the first over.

0.5

1

Quick single! A short ball on the body, Rahul looks to pull but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls towards the keeper. Samson though calls for the run and dives to make the ground as the keeper scores a direct hit at the striker's end. The third umpire has been called for and the replays roll in to confirm that he made his ground well in time.

Run out appeal taken upstairs. No one is looking too excited. Let's see what the replays show.

0.4

1

Slightly shortish ball on the body, Samson tucks it towards mid-wicket and gets off the mark.

0.3

1

Misfield and a run! Southee bowls a full ball just outside off, Rahul strokes it towards covers where Taylor fumbles and allows a run.

0.2

4

FOUR! Off the mark in style! Southee offers width outside off once again, Rahul is too good a player to miss out on another opportunity. He slashes it through point and the ball races away to the fence.

0.1

.

Good timing and an excellent stop. Southee starts with a good length ball outside off, Rahul strokes it well but Guptill at point does well to field with a tumble.

Time for the action now! The New Zealand players are in a huddle before they take their respective position in the field. KL Rahul and Sanju Samson stride out to open the innings for India. New Zealand skipper, Tim Southee will take the new ball first up. A wide slip in place and like usual Rahul will take the strike.

New Zealand (Unchanged Playing XI) - Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Tom Bruce, Ross Taylor (100th T20I), Tim Seifert (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tim Southee (C), Ish Sodhi, Hamish Bennett.

India (Playing XI) - KL Rahul (WK), Sanju Samson, Rohit Sharma (C) (In for Virat Kohli), Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini.

New Zealand skipper, Tim Southee says he wanted to bowl as it is a good surface. Informs it was a late change as Kane Williamson was not feeling well during the throwdowns so he had to rush in. Adds they did not want to risk him as they want Kane to play in the ODIs. Tells winning is ideal but they are not thinking too much about it and says they are just looking to do the right things and let the result take care of itself. Reveals that they are playing the same XI as the last game.

Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma says that the pitch looks really good. Tells that they would love to post a big total batting first and defend it. Says that the skipper is taking a rest in this game. Adds that they will try to continue the momentum. Feels that one does not get many opportunity of making it 5-0 but feels that India will not be complacent. Adds that they are not taking New Zealand lightly as they have been playing really well. Reveals that Sanju Samson will open along with KL Rahul and he will bat at no. 3. Confirms that him replacing Kohli is the only change in the team.

Toss - We are all in readiness for the spin of coin. Once again it is Tim Southee who walks out for New Zealand. He has the coin in hand. Rohit Sharma is the one coming out for the toss for India. He calls Heads and it comes down in his favour. INDIA OPT TO BAT!

Pitch Report - Deep Dasgupta and Mike Hesson are down for the pitch report. The former says that it is a good pitch to bat on. Hesson agrees and informs the average score is around 180. Tells there is an even coverage of grass and it is also hard surface. Dasgupta says the wind will play a part and Hesson once again agrees and thinks the side which can defend the short boundaries might win. Tells there can be some spin in the second innings and scoring 185 or more can put run chase pressure. Deep Dasgupta ends by reminding us that it is a used surface as South Africa Women and New Zealand Women played on this surface.

India landed a couple of heavy punches in the first 2 T20Is and then the Kiwis tried doing something similar. They probably did too but the punches from India were a little too heavy and hence the hosts are looking at getting whitewashed in the 5-match series. India might once again make a few changes in this final game to test their bench strength while the Kiwis would hope to manage to bag at least one win to enter the ODI series with a bit of higher morale. Will India rest skipper Kohli? Will we see Williamson return to lead the side in the final game? Will Rishabh Pant get a game? Too many questions to answer. We will have the answers soon. Stay tuned with us as the Toss is not too far away.

Match Center

5th T20I, Mount Maunganui, February 02, 2020, 12:30 PM