Hamilton: India clinched the five-match T20I series 3-2 despite suffering a seven-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the final game Sunday.
Ishan Kishan (61 off 32 balls) and skipper Shreyas Iyer (50 off 23 balls) struck explosive half-centuries, but New Zealand pacers, led by Adam Milne’s 4/19, fought back to restrict India to 191/8 after Mitchell Santner opted to bowl.
Opener Tim Seifert returned to form with a majestic 93 as the home side cruised to the target in 18 overs.
The in-form Glenn Phillips (65 not out; 38b) sealed the chase, taking his tally to four 50-plus scores, including a century.
Brief Scores
India 191/8 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 61, Shreyas Iyer 50; Adam Milne 4/19) lost to New Zealand 192/2 in 17.1 overs (Tim Seifert 93, Glenn Phillips 65 not out) by seven wickets.