Seifert and Phillips lead New Zealand to win as India take series 3-2

New Zealand defeated India by seven wickets in the fifth T20I in Hamilton on November 1, but India won the five-match series 3-2. Tim Seifert scored 93 from 50 balls and Glenn Phillips finished unbeaten on 65 as the hosts chased India’s 192-run target in 17.4 overs, reaching 195 for three. India had won the first three matches to secure the series before New Zealand claimed the final two. The victory was therefore a match win for the hosts, while the series remained India’s. Seifert and Phillips added 86 runs for the third wicket in 42 balls, accelerating New Zealand’s chase after Finn Allen fell early for two. Seifert struck 11 fours and five sixes, reaching his half-century from 34 balls. He was dismissed by Nitish Kumar Reddy for 93, seven runs short of a century, with 29 still needed. Phillips then guided the chase to its conclusion, making 65 not out from 38 deliveries. He hit eight fours and three sixes and recorded his fourth half-century of the series. India had posted 191 for eight after being asked to bat. Ishan Kishan made 61 from 32 balls and captain Shreyas Iyer scored 50 from 23, sharing a 93-run stand for the third wicket. Naman Dhir added 33 and Nitish Kumar...