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India vs New Zealand, 5th T20I Highlights: Arshdeep's 5-wicket haul sets up 46-run win for India

India Today Sports Desk
Thiruvananthapuram,UPDATED: Jan 31, 2026 23:15 IST

India vs New Zealand, 5th T20I Highlights: India beat New Zealand by 46 runs in the final T20I in Thiruvananthapuram to complete a 4-1 series win. Arshdeep Singh starred with his maiden five-wicket haul, while Axar Patel also scalped three wickets. Finn Allen was the lone warrior for New Zealand with his brilliant innings of 80 (38).

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Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh

Hi and welcome to India Today's live coverage of the India vs New Zealand, 5th T20I in Thiruvananthapuram.

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23:15 IST:
That's a wrap to the series - Now then, Suryakumar Yadav receives the trophy from the BCCI President Mithun Manhas and walks towards his teammates, who eagerly wait for their skipper to join them in their celebrations behind the Winners board. That wraps up a high-scoring series, with India taking it 4-1. New Zealand showed glimpses of fight but in patches and couldn’t consistently handle the Indian batting onslaught. Still, they won’t go home empty-handed, having beaten the Men in Blue 2-1 in the preceding ODI series. Both teams now turn their focus to the ICC T20 World Cup, starting next Saturday, 7th February, and will be playing their warm-up games ahead of the main event. Until then, we sign off from here, only to meet again the next time. Take care, cheers! 
23:08 IST:
PLAYER OF THE SERIES - The victorious captain of India, Suryakumar Yadav, receives the award for being the leading run scorer of the series. He says it feels incredible to have a performance like this after a long year and a long wait. He explains that he has stuck to his routine and trusted the process, knowing that he wasn’t out of form, just out of runs. Further adds that having a series like this just before the World Cup feels especially rewarding, while also reflecting on how he navigated a lean patch by going back to the drawing board and leaning on advice from close friends. He stresses that as a team, there’s always something to take from every game, win or lose. Says that they will analyse the five matches to build toward the World Cup. Acknowledging the challenges this format poses for bowlers, he says it’s all part of the learning curve. Yadav concludes that he’s thrilled the team has found momentum at the right time and is now eager to kick off their World Cup campaign.
23:04 IST:
PLAYER OF THE MATCH  is Ishan Kishan (103 runs off 43 balls) - He says that he just wanted to watch the ball and play accordingly. Adds that the plan is to always go for runs even if you are close to a milestone, if the ball is there, you go for it, and think about winning games. Mentions that he is still not at his absolute bes,t but his focus is on the World Cup and he wants to carry this same form into the bigger competition as well.
22:59 IST:
The captain of New Zealand - Mitchell Santner reflects on the series, saying that it had been a valuable learning experience for the team. He admits that India is a very strong side and notes that playing in their conditions is always challenging. Adds that while it might seem like the boundaries were pushed back a bit for bowlers, he says that the cricket remained entertaining. Santner explains that the main objective for New Zealand was to challenge themselves and gauge where they stand. He highlights that being consistently put under pressure, both for bowlers and batters, provides important lessons. Although the results did not go their way, he feels there were plenty of takeaways from every game as the team now shifts focus to the World Cup. One key insight for the bowling unit, he notes, is the importance of limiting damage against quality batters on flat pitches. Adds that the goal is to turn potentially expensive overs into ones that concede 15 or 16 runs instead of going over 20s. Mentions that in modern T20 cricket, where totals like 230 can still be chased, managing these key moments is crucial. Overall, Santner describes the series as a significant learning experience that he hopes will put New Zealand in a stronger position heading into the World Cup.
22:55 IST:
... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...
23:21 IST:
India's Arshdeep Singh is up for a quick chat - He says that it's a great learning for him to stay in the present and not worry too much about what happened in the first spell. Cheekily says that it is just for cameras that he looks calm, but he feels the pressure as well. Adds that lately he has been going for some runs, and needs to have a chat with Morne Morkel to improve in that aspect. Mentions that he enjoyed some of the shots that Finn played, but could have done some better planning. Tells that they knew that the Kiwis would come hard at them, and the talk in the huddle was about body language, to give their all and try and restrict them under 180. Further adds that they did score many runs,  ht he is happy to be on the winning side. Admits that the perfect game hasn't come yet, where everything clicks, but it is as good as it can come in the upcoming World Cup.
22:52 IST:
Sixes galore in Thiruvananthapuram - The match was defined by insane power hitting, with a total of 36 sixes struck across both innings. Ishan Kishan led the charge, hammering 10 of them in his 103, with 84 runs coming through fours and sixes. It was a statement knock at the right time, offering a strong case for himself just a week before the mega event. Finn Allen, meanwhile, carried his BBL form into a completely different and challenging setting, adapting swiftly and continuing his rich vein of form and runs.
22:46 IST:
From expensive to exceptional - India's recovery - In chases of this magnitude, the bowling side needs just one opening. India found theirs through Axar Patel when he fished out Allen and finished off with a three-for. Arshdeep Singh, after conceding 40 runs in his first two overs, roared back with an inspirational spell that ripped the heart out of the chase. He finished with a stunning five-wicket haul, giving away just 11 runs in his final two overs. The impact was immediate and brutal as New Zealand collapsed from 117 for 1 to 137 for 5 in a blink. From there, there were a few blips from the lower order, but they too, knew their fate was dead and buried. 
23:19 IST:
New Zealand refused to concede - If India’s initial assault was ruthless, New Zealand’s reply was even more ferocious in nature. In pursuit of 272, they lost Seifert in the very first over, mirroring India’s early setback with Samson early in the Powerplay, but it barely slowed them down. The Kiwis stormed to 79 for 1 in the Powerplay, comfortably eclipsing India, with Finn Allen leading the charge through an effortless half-century off just 22 balls. Alongside Rachin Ravindra, Allen stitched together a blazing 100-run partnership that put the chase firmly on track.
22:37 IST:
India unleashed a batting avalanche - India rolled the dice by batting first on a tacky surface, but the move looked risky early as Sanju Samson fell yet again for a single-digit score. Abhishek Sharma refused to let the innings stall, counter-attacking with intent and setting the stage for Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav to take over. That, however, was only the warm-up. What followed was a full-blown run feast. Kishan and SKY stitched together a brutal 137-run stand, turning the ground into a target range. Every corner, you name it, was found and attacked, every length punished. SKY cruised to his fifty, while Kishan went the distance with a commanding century. Hardik Pandya ensured the foot stayed on the pedal, smashing a breezy 42 off just 17 balls as India stormed to a towering 271. Such was the assault that the bowlers were reduced to mere spectators, watching the scoreboard spiral out of control.
22:31 IST:
A batter's paradise, a bowler's nightmare - It was one of those games where no bowler wanted the ball. Runs flowed freely, boundaries rained down, and sixes flew into the stands at will. New Zealand or India, it didn’t matter who was batting, the pitch offered a lot of generosity for the ones with the bat. Even a world-class operator like Jasprit Bumrah found no relief, as the surface showed absolutely no mercy to anyone with the ball in hand.
22:28 IST:
19.4: Rinku Singh to Ish Sodhi, OUT! TAKEN! Rinku Singh wraps things up with a wicket! He drags his length back again, outside off. Ish Sodhi has to reach out for it again but only manages to slice it off the outer half of the bat. It lobs up in the air, and Arshdeep Singh at cover-point takes a dolly. He puts the ball in his pocket as he has taken a fifer here. INDIA WIN BY 46 RUNS!
22:28 IST:
19.3: Rinku Singh to Ish Sodhi, Flatter, short and outside off, Ish Sodhi reaches out but shanks it off the toe-end towards point.
22:27 IST:
19.2: Rinku Singh to Ish Sodhi, SIX! Just over! Tossed up, full and on middle, Ish Sodhi clears his front leg away and launches it down the ground. Abhishek Sharma at long on thinks he is the game, moves to his right but only watches it sail over his head for a biggie.
22:27 IST:
19.1: Rinku Singh to Jacob Duffy, Short and around off, Jacob Duffy swats it to long off for a single.
Score 218/9
BatsmanIsh Sodhi 27(12b 1*4 2*6)
BowlerAbhishek Sharma 1-0-13-0
22:26 IST:
18.6: Abhishek Sharma to Ish Sodhi, Looped up, full and on middle, Ish Sodhi uses his feet and slogs it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.
22:25 IST:
18.5: Abhishek Sharma to Jacob Duffy, Floated, full and on off, Jacob Duffy backs away and lofts it to long off for one.
22:25 IST:
18.4: Abhishek Sharma to Ish Sodhi, A shout for LBW, but turned down! However, SKY takes the review here. Flatter, shortish and on middle and leg, Ish Sodhi looks to heave it across the line but misses and gets hit on the pads. Ball Tracking shows that it is missing the leg stump. The on-field calls remains.
22:24 IST:
18.3: Abhishek Sharma to Ish Sodhi, SIX! That is a shot a top-order batter will be proud of! Tossed up, full and on middle, Ish Sodhi skips down the track, lofts it with a straight bat over the bowler's head for a biggie.
22:23 IST:
18.2: Abhishek Sharma to Ish Sodhi, Superb effort in the deep! Short and around off, Ish Sodhi carves it away over extra cover. Rinku Singh from deep point covers a lot of ground to his right and dives to push the ball back inside just in time. He saves two runs for his side. Even with the match already in the bag, he is still putting his all on the field.
22:23 IST:
18.1: Abhishek Sharma to Ish Sodhi, Flighted, full and on middle, Ish Sodhi drags it wide of long on for a couple of runs.
22:22 IST:
Who will bowl the penultimate over? Surprise, surprise. Abhishek Sharma to roll his arm over. 
Score 204/9
BatsmanJacob Duffy 7(3b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerJasprit Bumrah 4-0-58-0
22:22 IST:
17.6: Jasprit Bumrah to Jacob Duffy, FOUR! Jasprit Bumrah goes for 58 in his 4 overs! He bowls this in the blockhole, angling into leg. Jacob Duffy backs away to dig it out, but gets it from the toe-end of the bat. The bounce takes it over Ishan Kishan as it races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.
22:21 IST:
17.5: Jasprit Bumrah to Ish Sodhi, Off cutter, short and outside off, Sodhi dabs it to the right of short third for a single. 200 up for New Zealand.
22:20 IST:
17.4: Jasprit Bumrah to Jacob Duffy, Slow again, on top of middle. Jacob heaves it to deep square leg for a single.
22:20 IST:
17.3: Jasprit Bumrah to Jacob Duffy, Short and slow, outside off, Jacob Duffy pulls it off the top edge. But the ball lands safely in the vast acreage of deep mid-wicket. Two taken.
22:19 IST:
17.2: Jasprit Bumrah to Ish Sodhi, Hard length and around off, Ish Sodhi punches it through cover-point for one.
22:19 IST:
17.1: Jasprit Bumrah to Ish Sodhi, FOUR! Oh..that is an outrageous shot! Jasprit Bumrah nails the yorker, outside off. Ish Sodhi somehow gets his bat down, opens the face and squeezes it out to the third man fence for a boundary. Bumrah can only smile.
22:19 IST:
Jacob Duffy is the last man in for New Zealand. Jasprit Bumrah (3-0-45-0) is back on for his final over. Didn't have a promising evening by his standards. Could he cap it off with a wicket?
Score 191/9
BatsmanLockie Ferguson 3(4b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerAxar Patel 4-0-33-3
22:18 IST:
16.6: Axar Patel to Lockie Ferguson, OUT! TIMBER! Number nine goes now now. Axar Patel gives this one some more flight, full and on middle, Lockie Ferguson dances down the track to slog it across the line but misses a straight one as it goes through to rattle the stumps. India need just one wicket to win now.
22:17 IST:
16.5: Axar Patel to Ish Sodhi, Flatter, full and around off, Ish Sodhi uses his feet again to drive it through cover but gets an inside edge towards mid-wicket for one.
22:16 IST:
16.4: Axar Patel to Ish Sodhi, SIX! Gets hold of that one! Flighted, full and on middle, Ish Sodhi skips down the track and heaves it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
22:16 IST:
16.3: Axar Patel to Lockie Ferguson, Short and on leg, Lockie Ferguson works it through square leg for one.
22:16 IST:
16.2: Axar Patel to Ish Sodhi, Another missed stumping! Ishan Kishan has not had a great night behind the stumps. Arm ball, full and on middle, angling in, Ish Sodhi uses his feet to slog it but it looks like he misses. Kishan, behind the stumps, fails to gather it cleanly. They cross. Oh..on the replay, it shows that Sodhi did get some bat on that, maybe that's why Kishan missed it.
22:15 IST:
16.1: Axar Patel to Lockie Ferguson, Short and around leg, Lockie Ferguson flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
22:24 IST:
Rishabh Beniwal

IND vs NZ Live score: Contrasting spells for Arshdeep

Arshdeep had a horrible beginning to his bowling spell as he leaked 40 runs in the first two overs. However, he returned in the 12th over with twin strikes, giving away just one run. He further scalped two more in his last over, giving away ten runs to finish with his best-ever match figures of 5/51 in four overs.

22:17 IST:
A spell of two halves for Arshdeep Singh. Was carted for 40 runs in his first two overs. Came back strongly with a five-for and conceded just 11 runs in his last two. Axar Patel (3-0-23-2) to bowl out now. 
Score 181/8
BatsmanLockie Ferguson 1(1b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerArshdeep Singh 4-0-51-5
22:14 IST:
15.6: Arshdeep Singh to Lockie Ferguson, A full toss, on off, Lockie Ferguson steers it wide of point. Sanju Samson dives to his right and makes a half-stop. They cross.
22:14 IST:
The batters keep coming in and going out. With the final rites being read, Lockie Ferguson walks in at number 10.
22:13 IST:
15.5: Arshdeep Singh to Daryl Mitchell, OUT! CHOPPED ON! Fifer for Arshdeep, and he is off running and celebrating here. He bowls a wide yorker, outside off. Daryl Mitchell gets into position to play the reverse scoop and takes it on the full as well. However, the ball goes off the toe-end of the bat and crashes onto the stumps. No idea how that ball hit the stumps from there, as even if Mitchell tried, he could not do it again. He departs for 26 off 12, and the Kiwis are 8 down now.
22:12 IST:
15.4: Arshdeep Singh to Ish Sodhi, Right in the blockhole, on middle, Ish Sodhi jams it out through extra cover for one.
22:11 IST:
Another one bites the dust. Ish Sodhi is in at number 9.
22:11 IST:
15.3: Arshdeep Singh to Kyle Jamieson, OUT! DRAGGED ON! Number four for Arshdeep Singh. He bangs this into the pitch, on off, rolls his fingers to take pace off. Kyle Jamieson opens up his stance for the big heave across the line but goes through the shot early. He only manages to get a bottom edge back onto the stumps. New Zealand are 179/7 now.
22:10 IST:
15.2: Arshdeep Singh to Kyle Jamieson, FOUR! Just over! A deceptive slower bouncer, on middle, Kyle Jamieson looks to pull it away but gets a top edge behind. Ishan Kishan leaps high in the air but the ball still evades him and goes to the fence for a boundary. Arshdeep is telling Kishan that he could have done better but the ball was too high to be fair.
22:09 IST:
15.1: Arshdeep Singh to Kyle Jamieson, FOUR! That is a fine shot! Good length and around off, Kyle Jamieson backs away and punches it on the rise towards long off. Rinku Singh runs to his left from long on but has no chance of stopping that from going to the fence.
Score 171/6
BatsmanDaryl Mitchell 26(11b 2*4 2*6)
BowlerVarun Chakaravarthy 4-0-36-1
22:08 IST:
14.6: Varun Chakaravarthy to Daryl Mitchell, Good length, on off stump. Daryl goes down to sweep it between deep fine leg and deep square. Axar charges across from the latter position to his right, and they manage to come back for a couple of runs.
22:07 IST:
14.5: Varun Chakaravarthy to Kyle Jamieson, Flights it up, on a length, on off. Kyle Jamieson hangs back and tries to pull, but gets a thick inside edge onto the back thigh. It rolls past Kishan to his left for a single at deep fine leg. 
22:06 IST:
14.4: Varun Chakaravarthy to Daryl Mitchell, A touch fuller, just outside off, Daryl Mitchell looks to drive it away, but gets a thick inside edge past the stumps towards short fine leg for a single. 
22:06 IST:
14.3: Varun Chakaravarthy to Daryl Mitchell, Good length just outside off, turning back in and bouncing a bit extra. Mitchell drops to one knee to attempt the paddle but misses, and Kishan shuffles across behind the stumps, failing to gather it cleanly.
22:05 IST:
14.2: Varun Chakaravarthy to Kyle Jamieson, A touch full, on leg, Kyle misses to get any connection and the ball rolls off the pads to backward square leg. They get a leg bye.
22:06 IST:
Out goes Bevon and the crease has a new occupant. Kyle Jamieson is in at number 8.
22:04 IST:
14.1: Varun Chakaravarthy to Bevon Jacobs, OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! An absolute beauty from Varun. A deceptive googly from Varun Chakaravarthy, on a length, around off. It lands and skids and spins in dramatically. Bevon Jacobs does not pick the wrong' un and tries to drive it away, but without moving his feet. That creates a huge gap between the bat and pad and the ball sneaks through to crash into the stumps behind. Bevon Jacobs falls for 7 (11) and New Zealand are 166/6, needing 106 more off 35 balls.
Score 166/5
BatsmanBevon Jacobs 7(10b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerJasprit Bumrah 3-0-45-0
22:02 IST:
13.6: Jasprit Bumrah to Bevon Jacobs, IN THE AIR... LANDS SAFE! Hits the deck hard, does Bumrah. On top of off, Jacobs tries to club it downtown, but badly mistimes it off the toe end. The ball, luckily for him, lands safely in thereabouts of mid on. They cross. 22 runs from Bumrah's third over. 
22:01 IST:
13.5: Jasprit Bumrah to Bevon Jacobs, FOUR! Up and over! Pace on, full and on off, Bevon Jacobs stays leg side, and tonks it over the mid off fielder for a cracking boundary!
22:01 IST:
13.4: Jasprit Bumrah to Daryl Mitchell, An attempted yorker, on middle, Daryl shovels it out and drills it down to long on for a single. 
22:00 IST:
13.3: Jasprit Bumrah to Daryl Mitchell, SIX! Clears the ropes yet again! Slower ball, nipping in from off, on a good length. Daryl Mitchell heaves it powerfully behind deep backward square leg for a huge six. 16 from the over, with 3 balls to go.
21:59 IST:
13.2: Jasprit Bumrah to Daryl Mitchell, SIX! Goes all the way! Short of a good length, on middle and leg. Daryl Mitchell pulls it off the back foot. Gets it more off the top edge but the ball clears long leg fence for a six.
21:58 IST:
13.1: Jasprit Bumrah to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! Straight as an arrow! Full and straight, lasered on the stumps, Daryl Mitchell spanks it straight down the ground, and by the time Hardik could move a muscle, the ball races away for a boundary.
Score 144/5
BatsmanDaryl Mitchell 6(4b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerVarun Chakaravarthy 3-0-32-0
21:58 IST:
12.6: Varun Chakaravarthy to Daryl Mitchell, Short, outside off, slapped off the back foot to long on for a single. 
21:56 IST:
12.5: Varun Chakaravarthy to Bevon Jacobs, Full and outside off, worked away to long off for one.
21:56 IST:
12.4: Varun Chakaravarthy to Bevon Jacobs, Slightly short, turning in prodigiously with some bounce. Bevon tries the pull shot, but the ball beats the inside edge and raps him on the back thigh.
21:56 IST:
12.3: Varun Chakaravarthy to Bevon Jacobs, FOUR BYES! Kishan misses collecting this and frustrations rise for Varun. Short and turning the other way, Bevon swings and misses. It beats him on the outside edge. Kishan fails to pick it and can’t make the stop, as the ball races away to the third man fence.
21:55 IST:
12.2: Varun Chakaravarthy to Bevon Jacobs, PUT DOWN! Abhishek Sharma is the guilty party and Varun Chakaravarthy is not a happy bowler at the moment. A touch short, on the stumps, skidding in. Bevon Jacobs is hurried on the back foot and tamely chips it to short mid-wicket. Abhishek Sharma dives to his left and the ball pops in and out of his palms. 
21:55 IST:
12.1: Varun Chakaravarthy to Bevon Jacobs, NEARLY! That was so close to the leg stump. Around off, on a length, sharply spinning, almost square into the batter. Bevon Jacobs tries to work it across on the front foot, but the ball sneaks through the gate and beats the inside edge, scarily passing close to the leg stump. Good take from Ishan behind the sticks, to his left. 
22:03 IST:
Rishabh Beniwal

IND vs NZ Live: What a comeback for Arshdeep Singh!

After being hit for 40 runs in his first two overs, Arshdeep Singh has made a strong comeback in the middle overs as he dismisses Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner in the same over. The game has completely turned in the last 25 balls as New Zealand have scored 21 runs and lost four wickets.

Score 138/5
BatsmanBevon Jacobs 1(3b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerArshdeep Singh 3-0-41-3
21:54 IST:
11.6: Arshdeep Singh to Bevon Jacobs, Much fuller, at 134.8 kph, on off, Bevon Jacobs muscles it down to long off for a single. A sensational over from Arshdeep Singh. A couple of wickets and just a single off it. New Zealand need 134 from 48 balls.
21:53 IST:
11.5: Arshdeep Singh to Bevon Jacobs, And again! Another half-tracker, on the leg stump. Bevon dodges the bullet fired at him and leaves. 
21:52 IST:
11.4: Arshdeep Singh to Bevon Jacobs, A sharp bumper, on top of the stumps, Bevon Jacobs ducks under it and lets it fly back to the keeper. 
21:53 IST:
Arshdeep Singh with the double strike in the over. That brings Bevon Jacobs out to the middle.
21:52 IST:
11.3: Arshdeep Singh to Mitchell Santner, OUT! TAKEN! It is all going south for New Zealand now. Arshdeep goes pace on and into the pitch, short, on top of middle. Mitchell Santner is rushed onto his pull shot, but only manages to slice it straight up the chimney. The ball sails towards extra cover where Suryakumar Yadav gets under it and takes the dolly. Even before he took the catch, Arshdeep already started celebrating. A brilliant comeback from him in this spell. A silver duck for Mitchell Santner and the Kiwis are 137/5.
21:50 IST:
11.2: Arshdeep Singh to Mitchell Santner, Nagging length, outside off, bunted down the pitch off the back foot. 
21:52 IST:
Skipper Mitchell Santner walks out to bat, with his side in a spot of bother.
21:50 IST:
11.1: Arshdeep Singh to Rachin Ravindra, OUT! CAUGHT! Another set batter bites the dust. A knuckle ball from Singh, short and outside off. Rachin Ravindra gets deceived by the pace off. Is forced to reach for it and mistimes his pull shot off the top edge. Axar Patel runs in a bit off the ropes from deep square leg and takes a fine catch. Rachin Ravindra falls for 30 off 17 balls and from 117/1, New Zealand slide down to 137/4.
21:54 IST:
Rishabh Beniwal

IND vs NZ Live: Patel turns the game on its head

Axar Patel has turned the game on its head by dismissing a well-set Finn Allen and the dangerous Glenn Phillips. New Zealand were cruising in the first nine overs, keeping the required run rate in check. But Axar's two strikes in as many overs have deraied their chase.

21:48 IST:
Arshdeep Singh (2-0-40-1) comes back into the attack now.
Score 137/3
BatsmanDaryl Mitchell 5(3b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerAxar Patel 3-0-23-2
21:47 IST:
10.6: Axar Patel to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! PUNISHED! Serves it full and around off, Daryl Mitchell gets on top of it and bludgeons it downtown for a cracking boundary. New Zealand still need 135 from 54 balls. 
21:47 IST:
10.5: Axar Patel to Rachin Ravindra, On a length, on the stumps, this is clubbed down to long on for a single. 
21:46 IST:
10.4: Axar Patel to Daryl Mitchell, Dropped full, on off, drilled down to long on for a single.
21:46 IST:
10.3: Axar Patel to Daryl Mitchell, Full and flat, around off, Daryl reverse sweeps off the inside edge to the first slip. 
21:46 IST:
The Kiwis just losing their way a little now. Daryl Mitchell is the next man in.
21:45 IST:
10.2: Axar Patel to Glenn Phillips, OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Wicket number 2 for Axar and catch number two for Rinku as well. Back of a length on the middle stump line with no turn on offer. Phillips clears the front leg and goes hard down the ground, but it comes right off the bottom half of the bat and balloons straight up into the night sky. Rinku Singh at long on shuffles to his left, camps under it, and plucks a simple catch. Glenn Phillips departs for 7 (6) and suddenly, New Zealand have slipped a bit to 131/3.
21:44 IST:
10.1: Axar Patel to Glenn Phillips, Slides in from off, at 92.9 kph, GP backs away and punches it to cover.
21:44 IST:
DRINKS BREAK! The batters, irrespective of both sides, have just toyed around with the bat. Finn Allen just displayed a brave counterpunch and carted the ball in all corners of the park. If we dissect the innings, at halfway, India were 102/2, and New Zealand are well ahead with 131/2 on the board. But they still require 141 runs from 60 balls. It's a massive ask, and they will have to keep going at 12s and 13s an over, in fact, even that won't be enough. 
Score 131/2
BatsmanGlenn Phillips 7(4b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerJasprit Bumrah 2-0-23-0
21:41 IST:
9.6: Jasprit Bumrah to Glenn Phillips, Fuller and on off, Glenn Phillips drills it away towards mid off and sets off for the run. The throw comes in at the bowler's end, but Phillips is very quick and makes his ground. A chance for an overthrow, but Phillips has backed away bit too much.
21:40 IST:
9.5: Jasprit Bumrah to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! Gets it away this time! Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, does no bounce that much to trouble the batter. Glenn Phillips gets inside the line of it and plays no-look pull as the ball races to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
21:39 IST:
9.4: Jasprit Bumrah to Glenn Phillips, Swing and a miss! Goes a bit fuller, outside off. Glenn Phillips goes chasing after it but fails to connect.
21:39 IST:
9.3: Jasprit Bumrah to Glenn Phillips, On a length and on middle, Glenn Phillips tucks it away with soft hands through mid-wicket and comes back for the second run.
21:38 IST:
9.2: Jasprit Bumrah to Rachin Ravindra, Back of a length and on middle, Rachin Ravindra pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
21:37 IST:
9.1: Jasprit Bumrah to Rachin Ravindra, SIX! Lovely pick up! Fuller one and on the pads, Rachin Ravindra picks it up off his pads and whips it over the deep backward square leg fielder for a biggie.
21:43 IST:
Rishabh Beniwal

IND vs NZ live: Patel gets dangeours Allen

Just the wicket India needed as Axar Patel gets the big wicket of Finn Allen. The Kiwi opener was moving towards his third T20I century but, much to India's good fortune he has returned to the pavilion. Time for India to tighten their screws on the game and build pressure on the new batters.

21:39 IST:
Take a bow, Finn Allen. That was some response in pursuit of this mammoth run chase. He trudges off, disappointed. But the Kiwi dugout admires his free-flowing knock. Took a long flight from Perth, landed here and just went on to his business like a routine. Now then, the platform is perfectly laid as Glenn Phillips walks in at number 4.
Score 117/2
BatsmanFinn Allen 80(38b 8*4 6*6)
BowlerAxar Patel 2-0-17-1
21:36 IST:
8.6: Axar Patel to Finn Allen, OUT! TAKEN! Axar Patel breaks the 100-run stand and gets the big fish here. Ishan Kishan would be a relieved man as he missed a stumping chance on the first ball of the over. Axar drags his length back, bowls this quicker, on middle. Finn Allen tries to swat it down the ground but just gets a bit cramped up and does not get the timing on that one as the ball hits the upper half of the bat. It flies towards long on, where Rinku Singh settles under it and pouches it safely. Allen goes back after a remarkable 80 off 38. New Zealand are 117/2, chasing 272.
21:35 IST:
8.5: Axar Patel to Finn Allen, Slightly shorter in length, on off, Finn Allen opens the face of his bat and guides it through backward point for a brace. That brings up the 100-run stand between these two batters.
21:34 IST:
8.4: Axar Patel to Rachin Ravindra, Flatter, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra goes down and swipes it to deep square leg for a run.
21:34 IST:
8.3: Axar Patel to Finn Allen, Short and around off, Finn Allen punches it thruough extra cover or a single.
21:34 IST:
8.2: Axar Patel to Finn Allen, FOUR! Put away! Short delivery, on middle, Finn Allen quickly moves back and pulls it away in the gap between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
21:33 IST:
8.1: Axar Patel to Finn Allen, FOUR BYES! To add to the woes, it was a stumping chance! Axar Patel sees the batter advance and bowls an arm ball, full and angling into leg. Finn Allen has a big swing but misses. Ishan Kishan, behind the stumps, is guilty of watching the batter and letting the ball through as it rolls behind to the fence for a boundary.
Score 105/1
BatsmanRachin Ravindra 21(12b 2*4 1*6)
BowlerVarun Chakaravarthy 2-0-30-0
21:32 IST:
7.6: Varun Chakaravarthy to Rachin Ravindra, SIX! Rachin Ravindra gets going now! Flighted, full and around off, Rachin Ravindra gets down on one knee and plays the slog sweep. He does not get it from the middle but gets enough to send it over the long on fence for a biggie. 17 runs off the over!
21:32 IST:
7.5: Varun Chakaravarthy to Finn Allen, Dragged back and outside off, Finn Allen slaps it hard and wide of long off. He calls for two, but the fielder is quick to move to his right and throws it back to keep it one.
21:31 IST:
7.4: Varun Chakaravarthy to Finn Allen, SIX! Into the crowd! Fires this one full, on middle and leg, in the slot as well. Finn Allen picks it up cleanly and whips it away. He does not even look at it as the ball sails way over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.
21:30 IST:
7.3: Varun Chakaravarthy to Rachin Ravindra, Flatter, shortish and around off, Rachin Ravindra forces it to wide long off for a run.
21:30 IST:
7.2: Varun Chakaravarthy to Rachin Ravindra, Uppish but safe! Flatter, full and outside off. Rachin Ravindra tries to reach out for it but loses his bottom hand. He slices it in the air over extra cover. SKY runs backwards and dives but fails to reach it. Two taken.
21:29 IST:
7.1: Varun Chakaravarthy to Finn Allen, Shorter in length and around off, Finn Allen punches it to sweeper cover for a single.
Score 88/1
BatsmanFinn Allen 65(30b 7*4 5*6)
BowlerAxar Patel 1-0-9-0
21:29 IST:
6.6: Axar Patel to Finn Allen, Goes short again on leg, Finn Allen nudges it through mid-wicket for one. Fine comeback from Axar, after getting hit for a six on the first ball.
21:28 IST:
6.5: Axar Patel to Rachin Ravindra, Flighted, full and outside off, Rachin Ravindra goes down for the sweep but gets a bottom edge. The bounce takes it over the keeper's head and the batters cross for one.
21:27 IST:
6.4: Axar Patel to Finn Allen, Fires one full and on leg, Finn Allen flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
21:27 IST:
6.3: Axar Patel to Finn Allen, Almost dragged on! Pushed through quicker, shortish and on middle, Finn Allen backs away to punche it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. It could have easily gone back onto the stumps.
21:26 IST:
6.2: Axar Patel to Finn Allen, Flatter, full and angling in, Finn Allen knocks it wide of the bowler. Axar quickly moves to his right and dives to make a good stop.
21:26 IST:
6.1: Axar Patel to Finn Allen, SIX! Gets greeted in style! Floated, short and just outside off, turns away. Finn Allen stays back, reaches out for it and swats it powerfully over the long off fence for a biggie.
21:30 IST:
India are into a huddle. You usually see these visuals at the drinks break, but since the runs have leaked, India are just taking some time off to slow up things. Suryakumar Yadav is in the center of that circle and is pumping up his troops after an ordinary Powerplay. Going by his expressions, he looked very animated and understandably so. New Zealand are 79/1 after the Powerplay. At the same stage, India were 54/2. Well, okay. Just one over for Bumrah, as Axar Patel replaces him. 
Score 79/1
BatsmanRachin Ravindra 11(8b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerVarun Chakaravarthy 1-0-13-0
21:25 IST:
5.6: Varun Chakaravarthy to Rachin Ravindra, Another short delivery, on middle, Rachin Ravindra pulls it away wide of long on for a couple of runs. 13 runs off Varun's first over. New Zealand are 79/1 at the end of the Powerplay!
21:23 IST:
5.5: Varun Chakaravarthy to Finn Allen, A googly, short once more, on middle and leg, Finn Allen punches it to long on for a single.
21:23 IST:
5.4: Varun Chakaravarthy to Finn Allen, SIX! Into the stands! Varun Chakaravarthy bowls a half-tracker, on middle. Finn Allen picks up the length early. rocks back and whacks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.
21:22 IST:
5.3: Varun Chakaravarthy to Finn Allen, Quicker, shortish and angling into leg, Finn Allen moves back to work it away but gets hurried and the ball hits his pads.
21:21 IST:
5.2: Varun Chakaravarthy to Finn Allen, FOUR! FIFTY FOR ALLEN! One chance, and he has made it count before the World Cup. This is his 6th half-century in T20Is, and it has come in just 22 balls. This is short again, on middle and leg. Finn Allen does not miss out this time and heaves it to deep mid-wicket or a boundary. He raises his bat to acknowledge his teammates.
21:21 IST:
5.1: Varun Chakaravarthy to Finn Allen, Floated, short and on middle, turns in sharply. Finn Allen moves back to pull it but misses it completely and gets hit on the pads.
Score 66/1
BatsmanFinn Allen 46(20b 6*4 3*6)
BowlerJasprit Bumrah 1-0-9-0
21:20 IST:
4.6: Jasprit Bumrah to Finn Allen, Laser straight, on off, on a hard length. Finn Allen tries to hit it across, but inside edges it onto the pads. The ball ricochets towards the point region for a single. 9 runs from Bumrah's first. 
21:19 IST:
4.6: Jasprit Bumrah to Finn Allen, WIDE! For height! A half-tracker, outside off. It keeps taking off from the runway as Finn sways away from the line. Ishan leaps full-stretch and extends his right hand over his head and plucks the ball nicely. Wide called. 
21:26 IST:
Amar Panicker says

Ishan Kishan owning it behind the stumps

What a leap there from Ishan Kishan. He may not be the biggest man in the side, but he covered plenty of ground as he went after that rising delivery from Jasprit Bumrah.

Doesn’t look rusty at all, despite not having the gloves in the series until now. Certainly not a problem if India do go ahead and consider him as their starting keeper for the T20 World Cup.

21:19 IST:
4.5: Jasprit Bumrah to Rachin Ravindra, Cannons it on a fuller length, aimed at the pads, pitched slightly outside leg. Rachin tries to whip it across, but misses and the ball deflects off his front pad to widish backward point. They cross for a leg bye. 
21:18 IST:
4.4: Jasprit Bumrah to Finn Allen, Hard length, around off, Allen dabs it off the back foot to the cover-point region for a quick run. 
21:17 IST:
4.3: Jasprit Bumrah to Finn Allen, SIX! TAKE THAT, SAYS ALLEN! Proper response. Back of a length, outside off. Allen stands tall and with no intentions to keep it down, clubs it over long on for an 83-meter six. 
21:16 IST:
4.2: Jasprit Bumrah to Finn Allen, SMELL THAT LEATHER, SAYS BUMRAH! A well-directed short ball, on top of off, nipping back in sharply. Finn Allen is a bit late on the pull shot, and is beaten all ends up.
21:16 IST:
4.1: Jasprit Bumrah to Finn Allen, On the money, is Bumrah! Slams the deck really hard, angling into the batter's bodyline. Finn Allen is rushed on the back foot as he tries to pull but gets beaten and takes a blow around his midriff. 
21:16 IST:
Believe it or not, India were 55/2 at the end of the Powerplay. So, the Kiwis have already gone past that score and we are only 4 overs in. However, New Zealand will now have to face Jasprit Bumrah. It will be interesting to see how they battle him.
Score 56/1
BatsmanFinn Allen 38(15b 6*4 2*6)
BowlerHardik Pandya 2-0-15-0
21:15 IST:
3.6: Hardik Pandya to Finn Allen, Skids through the deck, on off, on a length. Finn tries to heave it, but the ball rises up and gets sliced in the vacant mid on region for a single. 10 runs off the over. 23 from the last 2 for New Zealand. 
21:13 IST:
3.5: Hardik Pandya to Rachin Ravindra, Slams the deck hard, on middle, Rachin goes for a pull shot, but the ball beats the inside edge and is deflected off the back thigh pad to backward point for a leg bye.
21:13 IST:
3.4: Hardik Pandya to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! Just over! Hard length, outside off, a bit pace off. Rachin Ravindra does not time it well, but still, manages to clear the leaping mid off fielder for a boundary. 
21:12 IST:
3.3: Hardik Pandya to Rachin Ravindra, WHISKER! At 129.3 kph, this is slanted across on a good length. Rachin Ravindra does not move his feet at all and tries to punch it on the rise, but the ball keeps nibbling away and beats the outside edge by a kitten-whisker.
21:11 IST:
3.2: Hardik Pandya to Rachin Ravindra, Hits the deck hard, outside off, Rachin stabs it to mid off. 
21:11 IST:
3.1: Hardik Pandya to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! The runs just keep coming for the Kiwis. On a length, outside off, Rachin Ravindra hangs back and pulls it aerially. Gets a bit of a top edge, but clears the inner ring and it races away to the fence. 50 up for New Zealand!
21:12 IST:
The umpires are checking the ball again. However, it goes through the gauge cleanly, and it has been thrown to Hardik Pandya, who will bowl this over.
Score 46/1
BatsmanFinn Allen 37(14b 6*4 2*6)
BowlerArshdeep Singh 2-0-40-1
21:09 IST:
2.6: Arshdeep Singh to Finn Allen, FOUR MORE! 23 runs from the over! Arshdeep goes for a yorker, but misses by a fraction and slips in a low full toss, around off. Finn Allen spanks it to the right of mid off. Hardik could only give a cursory glimpse at that ball from mid off as it screams toward the ropes. 2-0-40-1 so far for Singh. 
21:14 IST:
Amar Panicker says

Some unreal hitting on display

This is Finn Allen’s first appearance in the series, and he arrives in red-hot form. The explosive opener comes straight from the Big Bash League, where he finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and played a key role in guiding the Perth Scorchers to the title.

Allen has already shown signs of carrying that momentum into this contest. With the boundaries notably short, the conditions are tailor-made for his aggressive style, and any loose deliveries are likely to disappear quickly. If the bowlers fail to remove him early, this could turn into a long and punishing night in the field.

21:08 IST:
2.5: Arshdeep Singh to Finn Allen, FOUR! Geez, he is hitting the ball with some venom! On a hard length, outside off, trying to angle the ball in, but it stays straight. Finn Allen presses back and powers it through the point and cover gap for a cracking boundary. 
21:07 IST:
2.4: Arshdeep Singh to Finn Allen, SIX! That has pinged off the bat! Arshdeep goes pace on, full and on off, Finn Allen gets under it, clears the front leg and hoists it high and handsom over long on. It hangs up there for an eternity and gets deposited in the stands behind. 
21:06 IST:
2.3: Arshdeep Singh to Finn Allen, FOUR! A shot of a confident batter! Back of a length, outside off, Finn Allen hops on the toes to ride the bounce and nails the square cut over backward point for a boundary.
21:06 IST:
2.2: Arshdeep Singh to Finn Allen, FOUR! Up and over! Pitched on middle and leg, on a fuller length. Finn Allen plays with the swing and slices it uppishly. Clears the infield and gets a boundary at deep cover. 
21:05 IST:
2.1: Arshdeep Singh to Rachin Ravindra, Full and on the pads, whipped away off the inner half to deep fine leg for a single.
Score 23/1
BatsmanFinn Allen 15(9b 2*4 1*6)
BowlerHardik Pandya 1-0-6-0
21:04 IST:
1.6: Hardik Pandya to Finn Allen, On a hard length, on top of off. Allen rides the bounce and bunts it down the pitch. 
21:03 IST:
1.5: Hardik Pandya to Finn Allen, DROPPED? Yes, a tough chance. Hardik couldn't even manage to get the fingertips on it. Pace off, on a good length, outside the off pole. Finn Allen shuffles a long way across the stumps to scoop, but he is put off by the lack of pace. The ball pops off the bottom end and flies over Hardik, who leaps and curves like a rubberband with his right hand stretched up to pluck the ball, but it lands safely. 
21:02 IST:
1.4: Hardik Pandya to Finn Allen, Gentle away shape, on a fuller length, around off. Finn Allen plays from the crease and dabs it with soft hands to short third. 
21:02 IST:
1.3: Hardik Pandya to Finn Allen, Away-angler, on a length, outside off, Allen presses back and knocks it to cover, but cannot get it past the protection there. 
21:02 IST:
1.2: Hardik Pandya to Finn Allen, BEATEN! Angles in and then seams away from a length, outside off. Finn Allen plays the initial line, away from his body, looking to block. But the ball whistles past his outside edge, on the bounce to Kishan behind.
21:02 IST:
The umpires are not happy with the condition of the current ball, as it has hit the concrete part of the ground. Out comes the briefcase, and Jasprit Bumrah selects the replacement ball.
21:01 IST:
1.1: Hardik Pandya to Finn Allen, SIX! UP, UP, AND AWAY! He has made that look so, so easy. A slower one to start from Pandya, full and around off. Allen stands tall and effortlessly sails it over the sightscreen for a huge six. 
20:59 IST:
Early blow for New Zealand. Rachin Ravindra walks out to bat at number 3. Also, Hardik Pandya to share the attack.
Score 17/1
BatsmanTim Seifert 5(3b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerArshdeep Singh 1-0-17-1
20:57 IST:
0.6: Arshdeep Singh to Tim Seifert, OUT! CAUGHT! A soft, soft dismissal and India have their first wicket. Singh bashes the hard length and gets a bit of an extra lift on the leg stump. Tim Seifert just checks the flick shot, but hits it off the higher end of the bat and fails to keep it along the ground. Ends up chipping it straight to Hardik Pandya at short mid-wicket, who takes a sitter around his chest. Tim Seifert perishes on 5 (3) and New Zealand are 17/1, chasing 272.
20:58 IST:
Arshdeep Singh is not happy with that wide call. Can the Kiwis make the most of the extra ball?
20:57 IST:
0.6: Arshdeep Singh to Tim Seifert, Way too short, pitching almost halfway, down leg. Tim Seifert misses the pull shot, as the ball goes over his head and keeps flying. Ishan leaps but the ball bursts through his gloves and rolls behind. They cross for a couple. Three wides.
20:55 IST:
0.5: Arshdeep Singh to Finn Allen, Hard length, on the pads. Finn Allen gets squared up and tucks it to the mid on region for a quick run.
20:55 IST:
0.4: Arshdeep Singh to Finn Allen, FOUR! Timed to perfection! Outside leg, on a fractionally fuller length. Tries to angle it away from the batter, but it remains straight. Allen flicks it behind square and the quick outfield means, the ball beats the sprinting deep mid-wicket fielder to his right for a boundary.
20:54 IST:
0.3: Arshdeep Singh to Finn Allen, FOUR! That's some way to get the first runs in the series! Much fuller, swinging back in on leg. Finn Allen plays with a straight bat and hits it off the sweet spot. Drives it down the ground for a boundary. 
20:53 IST:
0.2: Arshdeep Singh to Tim Seifert, On a back of a length, outside leg, at 132.8 kph, Tim lets the ball curve back and nudges it past square leg for a single to get off the mark. 
20:52 IST:
0.1: Arshdeep Singh to Tim Seifert, EDGED, FOUR! Streaky, but they will take it. Swings away from middle, on a good length. Tim Seifert brings the bat at an angle to block, but gets a thick outside edge. The ball shoots exactly between the backward point and short third fielders for a boundary. 
20:56 IST:
We are back for the chase! The Indian players are in a huddle, and we can see that Ishan Kishan has the gloves and will be keeping in this game. Good for him to get some practice, if needed to be in the World Cup. Tim Seifert and Finn Allen are the two openers for New Zealand. Arshdeep Singh to start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...
20:50 IST:
... THE RUN CHASE ...
21:07 IST:
A Long Night for New Zealand - When you concede over 270 runs, there is very little to analyse. New Zealand stayed in the contest only until the end of the Powerplay, when Ferguson removed both openers, but from there it became completely one-sided. On his return, Ferguson was the lone bright spot in an otherwise forgettable bowling effort. The pressure told in the field too, with even Glenn Phillips dropping Ishan Kishan. With the series already gone, the Kiwi batters now at least have the freedom to go out, play without fear, and see how close they can get.
21:10 IST:
A Batting Blitz Led by Kishan and SKY - Sanju Samson could not deliver in front of his home fans, leaving his place in the WC XI under a cloud, even though Abhishek Sharma did play a brisk cameo to provide yet another flying start. The real turning point, though, was the partnership between SKY and Ishan Kishan, which completely flipped the game on its head. They took a few balls to find their rhythm, but once they got going, there was no stopping them. Kishan showcased some breathtaking strokeplay on his way to a fantastic maiden T20I hundred, while SKY tore into the attack with 63 off just 30 balls, as the pair added 137 in double-quick time. Hardik Pandya then flexed his muscles with a fiery 42 off 17, underlining just how devastating this Indian batting unit can be when it all clicks together.
20:56 IST:
A Final-Day Firestorm from India-  India saved their most explosive performance for the last game. After winning the toss, SKY spoke about wanting to test themselves by batting first, and they could not have made a louder statement. What followed was a full-blown onslaught, as India piled up the highest total of the series by a distance, powered by a jaw-dropping 23 sixes that rained all around the ground. It also went down as the third-highest T20I score India have ever recorded, underlining just how brutal the assault was. For the Kiwi bowlers, it was one of those days they will want to quickly forget, as nothing they tried could stem the flow of runs once India found their rhythm.
Score 271/5
BatsmanShivam Dube 7(2b 0*4 1*6)
BowlerKyle Jamieson 4-0-59-1
20:40 IST:
19.6: Kyle Jamieson to Shivam Dube, SIX! BRUTE FORCE! Takes pace off, does Kyle. Short and outside off. Shivam Dube stands tall, lets the ball arrive and slams the ball powerfully over the long on fence for half a dozen to finish things off in style. 21 runs from the final over. INDIA FINISH ON 271/5! 
20:53 IST:
Amar Panicker says

IND vs NZ live: Ishan Kishan with the gloves

Some interesting scenes as both teams make their way back out for the second innings. Ishan Kishan has been handed the gloves for the chase, adding another layer of intrigue.

Is this a sign of things to come? That remains to be seen, but with Tilak Varma coming into the side, questions will be asked regarding Sanju's future in the side.

20:51 IST:
Amar Panicker says

IND vs NZ Live: End of the line for Samson?

Sunil Gavaskar during the mid-innings break made a big statement regarding Sanju Samson and the long rope he has been given.

“This was the best possible way to show that he deserves a place in the XI. Sanju missed one game due to injury, but after that, the selection committee was absolutely right to back him and give him a long run.”

“Now, with Ishan Kishan’s innings here and Tilak likely to return, the batting order looks settled. We know what it’s going to be for the first game against the USA.”

20:39 IST:
19.6: Kyle Jamieson to Rinku Singh, NO BALL! For height! The over just doesn't seem to end. A chest height full toss, on off. Rinku swivels and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Free Hit coming up...
20:43 IST:
Akshay Ramesh

IND vs NZ: India post 271, their third-highest T20I total

69 runs in the first eight overs. And then 202 runs in the last 12 overs. 

That was absolute carnage from India, led by Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav.

A terrific hundred from Ishan Kishan, his maiden in T20I cricket. And he brought it up with a six at Sanju Samson's home ground. 

Suryakumar Yadav is growing in confidence after having come out of his lean patch. 

And Hardik Pandya put the finishing touches. He is, as usual, looking in the zone.

India have scored in excess of 250 four times. Three have come under Gautam Gambhir's coaching tenure. 

20:38 IST:
19.6: Kyle Jamieson to Rinku Singh, WIDE! Oh dear me! That has slipped out of his hands. A pace-off short ball, outside leg, flying over the batter. Rinku gets inside the line and lets it be. 
20:37 IST:
19.5: Kyle Jamieson to Rinku Singh, At 107.8 kph, this is bashed on a length, on off, Singh bunts it back to the bowler. 
20:36 IST:
19.4: Kyle Jamieson to Rinku Singh, Big swing and a miss! At just 107.1 kph, Kyle pushes it wide outside off, on a fuller length. Rinku swings with all his might, but gets no connection whatsoever. 
20:36 IST:
19.3: Kyle Jamieson to Shivam Dube, A slower length ball, angled outside off, Shivam Dube swings to pull, but gets it off the toe end toward the off side for a single. 
20:35 IST:
Shivam Dube comes out to the middle now for the last few balls of the innings.
20:35 IST:
19.2: Kyle Jamieson to Hardik Pandya, OUT! TOP EDGE, GONE! Jamieson digs in a short ball, and takes pace off as this is the off cutter on top of middle that climbs on the batter. Hardik Pandya swings early to pull, one hand comes off the handle and he top edges it in the air. The ball spoons up and goes down the throat of Bevon Jacobs, stationed at the deep mid-wicket region. Settles under it and takes it calmly. Hardik Pandya falls after an entertaining 42 off just 17 balls. India are 261/5.
20:34 IST:
19.1: Kyle Jamieson to Hardik Pandya, SIX! TOP SHOT! An in-dipping full toss, on the pads. Hardik Pandya picks it up, throws everything left in the tank and heaves it aerially, clearing deep mid-wicket fence for a huge six. 
20:33 IST:
19.1: Kyle Jamieson to Hardik Pandya, FIVE WIDES! Dear me! That has gone horribly wrong for Kyle. Misfires a full ball, but way, way down leg. Hardik lets it pass and the ball beats the keeper's dive to his left before squirreling away to the ropes. 
20:33 IST:
Kyle Jamieson to bowl the last over. He has conceded 38 runs in his first 3 overs. Where will India finish? Let's see.
Score 250/4
BatsmanHardik Pandya 36(15b 1*4 3*6)
BowlerLockie Ferguson 4-0-41-2
20:31 IST:
18.6: Lockie Ferguson to Hardik Pandya, Comes from around the stump. Bowls it on a length, pitching outside leg. Hardik plays with a straight bat and eases it to widish mid off for a single. 14 runs off the penultimate over. 250 UP FOR INDIA!
20:36 IST:
Amar Panicker says

IND vs NZ Live: GG-era breaking records

This is the fourth time India has crossed the 250 mark in T20 internationals, underlining their growing dominance in the format.

Notably, three of those instances have come under the coaching tenure of Gautam Gambhir, highlighting the aggressive shift in approach since he took charge.

20:30 IST:
18.5: Lockie Ferguson to Hardik Pandya, SIX! Hardik moves to 35 (14). Short, into the pitch, on top of off. Sets up nicely for the batter. Hardik creates a strong base for himself and bludgeons it over deep mid-wicket for a flat six.
20:30 IST:
18.4: Lockie Ferguson to Rinku Singh, Slower one, short and outside off, Rinku gets on the toes and uppercuts it to deep backward point for a single.
20:29 IST:
18.3: Lockie Ferguson to Rinku Singh, FOUR! MUSCLED! Around off, a juicy half volley, Rinku Singh goes inside out and smashes it over the leaping mid off fielder for a boundary!
20:29 IST:
18.2: Lockie Ferguson to Hardik Pandya, Slips in a full toss, on off, drilled away to long on for a single. 
20:28 IST:
18.1: Lockie Ferguson to Rinku Singh, On a back of a length, outside off, Rinku Singh tries to cut, but chops it off the inside edge to the off side, for a single.
20:29 IST:
Lockie Ferguson (3-0-27-2) to bowl the penultimate over.
Score 236/4
BatsmanHardik Pandya 28(12b 1*4 2*6)
BowlerJacob Duffy 4-0-53-1
20:27 IST:
17.6: Jacob Duffy to Hardik Pandya, A touch short, outside off, Hardik stands tall and slaps it to deep backward point for a couple more.
20:27 IST:
17.5: Jacob Duffy to Rinku Singh, Back of a length, outside off, Rinku Singh chops it to the short third region for a single.
20:26 IST:
17.4: Jacob Duffy to Rinku Singh, A wide yorker, outside off, slower one by the looks of it. Rinku swings and misses. 
20:29 IST:
The Ishan Kishan show is over in Thiruavanthapuram. No respite for New Zealand as Rinku Singh walks out to bat now.
20:25 IST:
17.3: Jacob Duffy to Ishan Kishan, OUT! GONE! Finally, New Zealand get rid of Ishan Kishan. At 122.8 kph, it is short and slower, angled away outside off. Kishan rocks onto the back foot and sets up for the pull, swivelling across the line but only manages a top edge. It goes high but not far enough, and Phillips at deep mid-wicket, this time, ensures that it doesn't slip away and takes a comfortable catch. 103 off just 43 for Ishan Kishan as he trudges off to the dugout and is received by a huge applause from his teammates and the crowd. 
20:30 IST:
Amar Panicker says

IND vs NZ live: Trivandrum bows down to Ishan Kishan

Take a bow, Ishan Kishan. That was some knock from the young southpaw.

As he walks back, he’s greeted with a warm hug from captain Suryakumar Yadav, and it’s all smiles in the Indian dressing room. It speaks volumes about the mindset of the defending champions right now — confident, relaxed, and looking unstoppable.

20:23 IST:
17.2: Jacob Duffy to Hardik Pandya, A full toss, on leg, whipped away to deep square leg for a single. 
20:30 IST:
Akshay Ramesh

IND vs NZ live: In Samson's home, Ishan makes a statement

A blinder from Ishan Kishan. There were no nerves in the nineties. From 97, he launched Mitchell Santner high into the stands, bringing up his maiden T20I hundred in emphatic style.

The celebration that followed was perfectly in tune with the audacity of the innings — bold, unapologetic and full of swagger.

The Greenfield Stadium crowd rose to its feet, roaring in approval for a man they know could replace their hometown hero in India’s XI in a week’s time.

20:23 IST:
17.1: Jacob Duffy to Hardik Pandya, SIX! 20th six of the innings! A slower slot ball from Duffy, on off, Hardik Pandya uses the bottom hand and spanks it gun-barrel down the ground for a cracking six. 
Score 226/3
BatsmanIshan Kishan 103(42b 6*4 10*6)
BowlerMitchell Santner 4-0-60-1
20:22 IST:
16.6: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, SIX! MAIDEN T20I CENTURY FOR ISHAN KISHAN! 10 sixes and 6 fours. 84 runs just from boundaries. A half-volley outside the off stump. Kishan gets down on one knee and muscles a slog sweep that sails comfortably over deep mid-wicket for a massive six. Lets out a huge roar in celebration as Hardik runs towards him and gives a warm hug. The crowd has gone wild in Thiruvananthapuram as they admire this elite batting exhibition from Ishan Kishan. 
20:21 IST:
16.5: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, SIX! Geez, that's innovative! Santner pushes it wide outside off, on a shorter length. Ishan Kishan shuffles a long way outside off and pulls it across in the air. Clears deep mid-wicket fence for a cracking six. Ishan moves to 97 off just 41 balls. 
20:28 IST:
Amar Panicker says

IND vs NZ Live: Statement knock by Ishan Kishan

What a turnaround this has been from Ishan Kishan. Not too long ago, he found himself out of the Indian team. Now, he’s back — and in some style.

The intent, the resilience, and the sheer authority with which he has played have been a sight to behold. On current form, it’s hard to look past him as India’s No. 3 going forward. All the talk about Tilak Varma’s return pushing Ishan out should end right here.

20:21 IST:
16.4: Mitchell Santner to Hardik Pandya, Serves it full, on middle, Pandya mistimes his sweep shot, hits it more off the inner half to deep square leg for a single. 
20:20 IST:
16.3: Mitchell Santner to Hardik Pandya, FOUR! PUNISHED! Flatter ball, outside off. Hardik Pandya doesn't go inside out, but gets on his knee and swats it flatly over the bowler's head for a boundary, beating long on to his left. 
20:20 IST:
16.2: Mitchell Santner to Hardik Pandya, Around off, on a length, Hardik Pandya slices it like a knife and hits it to deep extra cover for a couple of runs. 
20:19 IST:
16.1: Mitchell Santner to Hardik Pandya, SIX! Unbelievably brilliant shot! Short, outside off. Hardik Pandya presses back and swings it through the line, over deep extra cover for a six. 
Score 201/3
BatsmanIshan Kishan 91(40b 6*4 8*6)
BowlerKyle Jamieson 3-0-38-0
20:18 IST:
15.6: Kyle Jamieson to Ishan Kishan, Deceived completely. Slower bumper, outside off, Ishan swings the bat for a pull in January, but the ball arrives in December and beats him all ends up. 
20:17 IST:
15.5: Kyle Jamieson to Hardik Pandya, Short of a length, outside off, Pandya smashes it like a tennis forehand to long off for a single. 
20:17 IST:
15.5: Kyle Jamieson to Hardik Pandya, WIDE! Far outside off, on a shorter length. Goes above the head height and is deemed a wide.
20:16 IST:
15.4: Kyle Jamieson to Ishan Kishan, Short and outside off, Ishan pulls it flatly on the bounce to Phillips to deep mid-wicket for a single. 
20:15 IST:
15.3: Kyle Jamieson to Ishan Kishan, DROPPED, SIX! Wait. What? Glenn Phillips? That doesn't happen very often. He has dropped an absolute dolly. It is a full toss on the off stump line. Kishan strides forward and swings hard across the line, losing his bottom hand in the process. Glenn Phillips at deep square sets himself under it but takes his eyes off at the crucial moment and ends up parrying the ball over the boundary for half a dozen. Maybe, just maybe, he was put off by the floodlights. 
20:14 IST:
15.3: Kyle Jamieson to Ishan Kishan, WIDE! Miles outside off, beyond the tramline. Ignored by Kishan. Wided.
20:14 IST:
15.2: Kyle Jamieson to Hardik Pandya, Shoots up from a length on leg, Pandya fends it down through mid-wicket for a single.
20:14 IST:
15.1: Kyle Jamieson to Hardik Pandya, Excellent effort from Allen, saves a certain boundary. Fullish ball, on off, Hardik Pandya spanks it over the wingspan of Kyle Jamieson and the ball is on course for a boundary, but Finn Allen slides across to his right from long on and palms the ball back in the playing area. The replay confirms the same. Two taken. 
20:13 IST:
Last 5 overs coming up. How much can New Zealand limit India to? Kyle Jamieson (2-0-25-0) returns, replacing Jacob Duffy.
Score 188/3
BatsmanHardik Pandya 2(2b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerMitchell Santner 3-0-35-1
20:12 IST:
14.6: Mitchell Santner to Hardik Pandya, Dragged back and on middle, Hardik Pandya pats it to long on for one more.
20:11 IST:
14.5: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, Short and around off, Ishan Kishan slaps it to sweeper cover for a run.
20:11 IST:
14.4: Mitchell Santner to Hardik Pandya, Floated, full and on leg, Hardik Pandya turns it to the leg side for a run.
20:11 IST:
Hardik Pandya is in at number 5, following a mammoth 137-run partnership between SKY and Kishan. 
20:10 IST:
14.3: Mitchell Santner to Suryakumar Yadav, OUT! STUMPED! Mitchell Santner finally gets the breakthrough for New Zealand. He bowls this slower through the air, full and just outside off, keeping it out of the reach of the batter. Suryakumar Yadav tries to repeat the dose by coming down the track, but this gets beaten by the flight and turn on the ball. Tim Seifert, the keeper, collects it and breaks the stumps with SKY well out of his crease. He departs for an entertaining 63 off 30, and gets a big applause from the crowd on his way back. India are 185/3.
20:16 IST:
Amar Panicker says

IND vs NZ Live: Trivandrum lauds Suryakumar Yadav

Trivandrum shows its respect with a standing ovation. They know a quality player when they see one, and Suryakumar Yadav has certainly earned it tonight. A quality knock from the Indian skipper, and what a time to come to form as well. 

20:09 IST:
14.2: Mitchell Santner to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX! Shot of the match so far! Tossed up, full and around middle. Suryakumar Yadav skips down the track, does not get to the pitch of it but hits it through the line. He presents the full face of the bat, holds his shape and lofts it over the bowler's head for a biggie.
20:08 IST:
14.1: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, Floated, short and around off, Ishan Kishan punches it to sweeper cover for a single.
20:08 IST:
This is looking ominous for New Zealand now. India have smashed 96 runs in the last 5 overs. Mitchell Santner (2-0-25-0) is back on. 
Score 178/2
BatsmanSuryakumar Yadav 57(28b 4*4 5*6)
BowlerJacob Duffy 3-0-43-0
20:07 IST:
13.6: Jacob Duffy to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX! SKY is just dealing in sixes now! Fuller delivery and angling into the pads. Suryakumar Yadav picks it up and whips it away over the deep backward square leg fence for the third six of the over.
20:08 IST:
Sabyasachi says

IND vs NZ: Suryakumar goes berserk

Suryakumar Yadav has gone berserk in Trivandrum, matching Ishan Kishan shot for shot. He has already raced to his fifty and looks absolutely ominous, with New Zealand running out of ideas as the Indian skipper shifts through the gears effortlessly.

20:06 IST:
13.5: Jacob Duffy to Suryakumar Yadav, A bouncer, on off, Suryakumar Yadav tries to upper cut but misses.
20:05 IST:
13.4: Jacob Duffy to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX! FIFTY FOR SKY! Another fantastic knock from the Indian captain, and this is a great sign for the hosts before the World Cup to get him back in form. This is a full toss around off. Suryakumar Yadav is not going to miss out on that and smacks it over the long on fence for half a dozen more. He raises his bat to soak in all the applause.
20:05 IST:
13.3: Jacob Duffy to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX! Outta here! Tries the back-of-the-hand slower one, but misses his length and serves this in the slot, on off. Suryakumar Yadav clears his front leg away and launches it over the long on fence for a biggie.
20:05 IST:
13.2: Jacob Duffy to Suryakumar Yadav, A good yorker now, on off, Suryakumar Yadav jams it out to extra cover. A rare dot ball.
20:04 IST:
13.1: Jacob Duffy to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! Up and over! Fuller delivery, on middle, Suryakumar Yadav gets under it and lofts it nicely over mid on to collect another boundary to his name.
20:03 IST:
13.1: Jacob Duffy to Suryakumar Yadav, WIDE! Back of a length and outside off, slower too, Suryakumar Yadav slashes at it to reach out but misses. Called a wide.
20:06 IST:
Jacob Duffy (2-0-20-0) is back on, replacing Ish Sodhi. Also, Suryakumar Yadav has completed 3000 T20I runs. He becomes the quickest in the world to reach this feat in terms of balls faced. 
Score 155/2
BatsmanSuryakumar Yadav 35(22b 3*4 2*6)
BowlerLockie Ferguson 3-0-27-2
20:02 IST:
12.6: Lockie Ferguson to Suryakumar Yadav, Pitched up and on middle, Suryakumar Yadav flicks it o deep mid-wicket for one.
20:05 IST:
Sabyasachi says

IND vs NZ: Kishan nearing century

Ishan Kishan is just 18 runs away from his maiden T20 hundred. What a confidence booster it would be if he goes on to reach the milestone on the eve of a tournament as big as the T20 World Cup.

20:01 IST:
12.5: Lockie Ferguson to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! Gets it away! Another full toss, outside off. Suryakumar Yadav throws his hands at it. Gets an outside edge that races to the third man fence for four more runs. 
20:01 IST:
12.5: Lockie Ferguson to Suryakumar Yadav, Oh..no! Lockie Ferguson completely loses the grip of the ball and bowls a head-high full toss, on off. Suryakumar Yadav manages to get out of the way and is floored. Has a cheeky smile on his face while Lockie apologises too. It is called a No Ball, and a Free Hit to follow now.
20:00 IST:
12.4: Lockie Ferguson to Suryakumar Yadav, Short of a length and around middle, takes pace off, Suryakumar Yadav goes down across to scoop but misses due to the lack of pace.
19:59 IST:
12.3: Lockie Ferguson to Ishan Kishan, Outside off, on a length, Ishan comes down the track and slashes it like a knife to long off for a single.
19:59 IST:
12.2: Lockie Ferguson to Ishan Kishan, SIX! Top shot! Fuller delivery and around off, pace on this time. Ishan Kishan gets his hands through the shot and dispatches it over deep extra cover for another biggie. The 100-run partnership comes up between these two!
19:58 IST:
12.1: Lockie Ferguson to Suryakumar Yadav, In the blockhole, on middle, Suryakumar Yadav tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.
19:58 IST:
20, 10, 29. The last three overs for India. You have got to feel for the bowlers. At the pitch report, it was mentioned that it's a tacky surface for batting, but it is the bowling which is looking a bit tacky here. 
Score 141/2
BatsmanIshan Kishan 75(33b 6*4 6*6)
BowlerIsh Sodhi 3-0-48-0
19:57 IST:
11.6: Ish Sodhi to Ishan Kishan, SIX! Oh, wow! 29 runs off the over.  Flighted, full and aound off. Ishan Kishan comes down the track again. He has to reach out but manages to do so and drags his slog over the wide long on fence for half a dozen. The night cannot end early for Sodhi.
19:56 IST:
11.5: Ish Sodhi to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! This is just incredible batting! Quicker, shortish and around middle. Ishan Kishan changes his stance early to get into position and executes the reverse sweep over point for a boundary.
19:55 IST:
11.4: Ish Sodhi to Ishan Kishan, SIX! Nothing streaky about this one! Tossed up, full and on middle, Ishan Kishan skips down the track to get to the pitch of it and tonks it over the long on fence for a biggie. 19 runs off the over already with 2 balls still to go.
19:55 IST:
11.3: Ish Sodhi to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Streaky again, but they all count! Ish Sodhi sees the batter advance and drags his length back and around off. Ishan Kishan gets beaten by the length and just swings his bat at it. Gets it off the bottom edge that goes between the legs of the keeper and rolls to the fence behind for the third boundary of the over.
19:54 IST:
11.2: Ish Sodhi to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Gets it away! Flatter, shortish and around middle, Ishan Kishan has a big heave across the line. Gets it off the inside half of the bat but the ball goes into the gap towards the deep square leg fence for another boundary.
19:53 IST:
11.1: Ish Sodhi to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! FIFTY FOR KISHAN! Off just 28 balls. His red-hot form continues in the series, and he is making a serious case to be in the World Cup XI. This is his 8th T20I half-century. A full toss, outside off, begging to be put away. Ishan Kishan reaches out and smashes it over extra cover for a boundary.
19:55 IST:
Sabyasachi says

IND vs NZ: Kishan hits timely fifty

That was a much-needed fifty for Ishan Kishan. The left-hander soaked in the pressure early and then accelerated with authority, underlining his value at the top and in the middle order. As Ian Smith rightly pointed out on air, it’s getting harder and harder to leave Kishan out of India’s playing XI for the T20 World Cup.

19:53 IST:
11.1: Ish Sodhi to Ishan Kishan, WIDE! Flatter, full but way outside off, Ishan Kishan leaves it alone. Called a wide.
Score 112/2
BatsmanIshan Kishan 47(27b 2*4 4*6)
BowlerKyle Jamieson 2-0-25-0
19:52 IST:
10.6: Kyle Jamieson to Ishan Kishan, A full toss, on leg, Ishan Kishan cannot get it away and heaves it to deep square leg for just one.
19:51 IST:
10.5: Kyle Jamieson to Ishan Kishan, SIX! There is no stopping that one! Bangs this into the pitch, on middle. Ishan Kishan picks up the length early,, swivels and hammers his pull way over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.
19:53 IST:
10.4: Kyle Jamieson to Suryakumar Yadav, Superb effort in the deep! Hard length and on middle, slower again. Suryakumar Yadav gets inside the line of it to whip it away but gets a bit of a top edge. It flies towards deep square leg, where Lockie Ferguson settles near the ropes, but realizes that the ball is going over. As soon as he grabs it, he flicks the ball back inside before touching the ropes. The umpires want to check and the replay shows that it is a clean effort. He saves 5 runs for his team, as the batters only took a single.
19:49 IST:
10.3: Kyle Jamieson to Ishan Kishan, Fuller and on leg, Ishan Kishan flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a run.
19:49 IST:
10.2: Kyle Jamieson to Ishan Kishan, Nicely bowled! Lands this on a good length and on off, this is the off-cutter. It grips into the surface and takes off too. Ishan Kishan tries to play it from the crease but gets beaten on the outside edge.
19:48 IST:
10.1: Kyle Jamieson to Suryakumar Yadav, Back of a length and on middle, takes pace off, Suryakumar Yadav pats it towards mid on for a single.
19:52 IST:
DRINKS! 33 runs in the last 2 overs, and India have gone past 100 at the halfway mark. At the current rate and with the firepower left, they will be eying something around 200-220. Ishan Kishan has once again got a quick start, while SKY is playing his role well too. New Zealand will be hoping that this break halts the batter's momentum a bit, and they can get a few cheap overs and pick up a couple of wickets to get back in the contest. Kyle Jamieson to bowl after the break. 
Score 102/2
BatsmanIshan Kishan 39(23b 2*4 3*6)
BowlerMitchell Santner 2-0-25-0
19:44 IST:
9.6: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, Quicker and flatter, short and outside off. Ishan Kishan hangs back and knocks it to the right of long off. Daryl Mitchell sprints across and dives to save two runs for his side. A very expensive over as 20 runs come off it.
19:49 IST:
Akshay Ramesh

IND vs NZ live: Ishan and Surya on fire, dew already falling

Ishan Kishan and Suryalumar Yadav have added 50-plus for the third wicket. A sensational partnership so far, in terms of steadying the ship and then accelerating.

Both of them have been severe against spin. Mitchell Santner was caught in the firing zone. 

Meanwhile, at the 10-over mark, grounds men are trying to clear dew with a rope. India will need to keep in mind that they need 10-20 extra runs to cope with dew.

It will be a good challenge for their bowlers. 

19:48 IST:
Sabyasachi says

IND vs NZ: Surya, Kishan keep marching

Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav are beginning to look increasingly dangerous, with India’s run rate climbing back beyond the 10-runs-per-over mark.

The duo has shifted gears seamlessly, mixing calculated aggression with smart placement to put the bowlers under pressure.

This partnership has now laid the ideal launchpad for the likes of Rinku Singh and Hardik Pandya in the second half of the innings, as India eye a strong finish.

19:44 IST:
9.5: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, SIX! WALLOP! A slot ball from Santner, around leg, Kishan plants his back knee into the pitch and slogs it high and handsome over deep square leg for a massive six. Moves to 37 (22), does Ishan. This brings up the 50-run partnership between these two. 100 up for India!
19:43 IST:
9.4: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Dismissed out of his presence! Santner spots Ishan dancing down the track and cunningly throws it wide outside off on a fuller length. Kishan throws his bat at it and manages to loft it over the leaping cover fielder for four more. 
19:42 IST:
9.3: Mitchell Santner to Suryakumar Yadav, On a length, slowish through the air, on off. Yadav stands tall and punches it wide of mid off for a single. 
19:42 IST:
9.2: Mitchell Santner to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX! Clears the ropes! Santner serves it full and on middle and leg. Suryakumar Yadav shimmies down the track and tonks it straight down the ground for a 76-meter six. 
19:41 IST:
9.1: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, Continues from around the stump. This is short, outside off, Ishan shuffles outside off and drags it wide of long on for a single. Allen covers good groud to his left and cuts it off.
Score 82/2
BatsmanSuryakumar Yadav 20(13b 2*4 1*6)
BowlerIsh Sodhi 2-0-19-0
19:40 IST:
8.6: Ish Sodhi to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! Placed to perfection! Slips in a length ball, on the leg stump line, Suryakumar Yadav gets into a good position and pulls it between long on and deep mid-wicket for a cracking boundary! 13 runs from the over. 
19:43 IST:
Sabyasachi says

IND vs NZ Live: Much needed over for India

That’s a release for India — 13 runs come off Ish Sodhi’s over as Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan finally up the ante. The intent is clear now, with both batters finding gaps and punishing the loose deliveries.

The partnership has already grown to 34, easing some of the early pressure after the powerplay losses. New Zealand will know they need a breakthrough quickly to halt the momentum and peg India back before this stand runs away with the game.

19:39 IST:
8.5: Ish Sodhi to Ishan Kishan, Just short! Too full, outside off, Kishan drills it uppishly, but hits it flatly, which probably saved him from sailing straight into the hands of the fielder there. It goes on the bounce to Allen at long off. One taken. 
19:39 IST:
8.4: Ish Sodhi to Suryakumar Yadav, Dropped full and on middle, Suryakumar Yadav gets across and chips it over the bowler and they cross. 
19:38 IST:
8.3: Ish Sodhi to Suryakumar Yadav, A leg break, short and outside off, Suryakumar Yadav covers the line and eases it to the point fielder. 
19:38 IST:
8.2: Ish Sodhi to Ishan Kishan, 'Round the stumps now, bowls the off spinner, on a fuller length, outside off, Ishan throws his bat at it and drives it to deep extra cover for a run. 
19:37 IST:
8.1: Ish Sodhi to Ishan Kishan, SIX! That was six the moment it left the bat. A genuine half volley, around off, Ishan sits down on a knee and powerfully slogs it cleanly behind deep mid-wicket for a huge six. 
19:37 IST:
Change? Yes, Ish Sodhi replaces Glenn Phillips.
Score 69/2
BatsmanIshan Kishan 18(16b 1*4 1*6)
BowlerMitchell Santner 1-0-5-0
19:36 IST:
7.6: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, Drag-downer, wide outside off, Kishan slaps it hard to long off for another solo. A tidy start from Santner. Just 5 runs off it. 
19:39 IST:
Sabyasachi says

IND vs NZ: Tidy start from Santner

Mitchell Santner has made a tidy start, conceding just five runs in his opening over and immediately putting the brakes on India’s momentum.

Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan have shown respect to the left-arm spinner, choosing not to take any undue risks and instead focusing on strike rotation.

Both batters are still taking their time to settle in, feeling their way through the conditions as New Zealand continue to apply the squeeze

19:35 IST:
7.5: Mitchell Santner to Suryakumar Yadav, An in-drifter on a length, at the pads. Yadav goes deep in the crease and steers it to deep square leg for an easy single. 
19:35 IST:
7.4: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, Drags the length back and keeps it outside off, Kishan rocks back and pulls it down to long on for a single. 
19:34 IST:
7.3: Mitchell Santner to Suryakumar Yadav, At 90.5 kph, full and around off, SKY drives it along the ground to deep cover for a single.
19:34 IST:
7.2: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, Short, outside off, Kishan hangs back and cuts it through backward point for a single. 
19:33 IST:
7.1: Mitchell Santner to Ishan Kishan, Around off, on a length, Kishan tucks it back to the bowler. 
Score 64/2
BatsmanSuryakumar Yadav 13(8b 1*4 1*6)
BowlerGlenn Phillips 1-0-10-0
19:33 IST:
6.6: Glenn Phillips to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX! Into the orbit! A loosener from Phillips, full and on middle. Suryakumar Yadav picks the length in a trice and slogs it massively behind deep mid-wicket for an enormous six. 
19:36 IST:
Sabyasachi says

IND vs NZ Live: Kishan, Surya build a partnership

India in a bit of a rebuild here after losing Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma inside the powerplay. Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav are taking the cautious route early on, rotating the strike and ensuring there’s no further damage.

Kishan looks busy at the crease, picking up singles, while Suryakumar is trying to settle in and find his timing.

New Zealand, meanwhile, are starting to find their rhythm. The bowlers have tightened the lines, the fielding has sharpened up, and the run rate has been pulled back nicely.

19:33 IST:
6.5: Glenn Phillips to Suryakumar Yadav, Serves it far outside off, on a fullish length, Yadav looks to lift it inside out, but does not get under it. Chalks off the toe end to the right of cover. Santner flings himself to his right and stops it one-handed. 
19:31 IST:
6.4: Glenn Phillips to Ishan Kishan, Not too full, not that short either. On off, and Kishan tucks it off the back foot through mid-wicket for another run. 
19:31 IST:
6.3: Glenn Phillips to Suryakumar Yadav, Full from around the stump. On middle. SKY tries the slog sweep, but plays it a bit early and the ball spoons off the bottom end through mid on for a single. 
19:30 IST:
6.2: Glenn Phillips to Ishan Kishan, Fractionally short, on off, Kishan nudges it past mid-wicket for a run. 
19:30 IST:
6.1: Glenn Phillips to Suryakumar Yadav, An off break, full and on off, Suryakumar Yadav gets forward and chips it over the non-striker. Phillips politely shouts 'Catch it, sir', but the ball lands safely and rolls towards long on for a single. 
19:32 IST:
We have seen a tight battle between bat and ball in the Powerplay. 3 overs that went above 10 runs, 3 overs in single digits. India have scored over 50, but the Kiwis will be delighted to get rid of the openers. Now, the team that controls the middle phase will be in a better position in this game. Also, Glenn Phillips comes into bowl now.
Score 54/2
BatsmanIshan Kishan 13(10b 1*4 1*6)
BowlerIsh Sodhi 1-0-6-0
19:29 IST:
5.6: Ish Sodhi to Ishan Kishan, A touch short, outside off, Ishan stands tall and slaps it to cover. India end their Powerplay with 54/2 on the board.
19:35 IST:
Akshay Ramesh

IND vs NZ live: Lockie's pace troubles India in powerplay

54 runs have come, but they have come at the cost of two wickets. 

Abhishek Sharma appeared fluent in the powerplay, but Lockie Ferguson's pace has done the damage. 

After getting Sanju Samson out cheaply, the comeback man knocked over Abhishek's stumps. 

Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan have a big job to do in the middle. 

India will be happy they went past 50, but they would have wanted one of the two openers to carry on and make a big one. 

19:28 IST:
5.5: Ish Sodhi to Suryakumar Yadav, A bit wider, full and outside off, Yadav leans on and drives it to the left of mid off and rushes through for a single. Santner collects the ball and throws it with his dominant left hand to the bowling end, but misses his shy, allowing SKY to scoot inside the crease.
19:28 IST:
5.4: Ish Sodhi to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! Glorious stroke! Ish overpitches it, outside off, Suryakumar Yadav plants the front foot forward and crisply drives it inside out through the extra cover gap for a boundary. 50 up for India!
19:27 IST:
5.3: Ish Sodhi to Suryakumar Yadav, Full and around off, Yadav plays with the spin and drives this leg break to extra cover.
19:26 IST:
5.2: Ish Sodhi to Suryakumar Yadav, Dishes out a googly, on a length, Suryakumar Yadav works it to cover.
19:25 IST:
5.1: Ish Sodhi to Ishan Kishan, Slides it on off, on a fuller length, Ishan slogs it off the inner half to deep mid-wicket's left for a single.
19:26 IST:
Both the Indian openers are gone now, inside the Powerplay. Suryakumar Yadav walks in at number 4. Ish Sodhi has been introduced into the attack now, replacing Jacob Duffy.
Score 48/2
BatsmanAbhishek Sharma 30(16b 4*4 2*6)
BowlerLockie Ferguson 2-0-13-2
19:24 IST:
4.6: Lockie Ferguson to Abhishek Sharma, OUT! CASTLED! Lockie Ferguson strikes again. He bowls this at 145.3 clicks, fuller and on middle and leg. Abhishek Sharma gives himself some room and tries to go over the in-field on the off side but gets beaten by the pace on this ball as this is the fastest of the over. It skids through and crashes onto the middle and leg stumps. Lockie is absolutely delighted, and Sharma has to walk back for a quickfire 30 off 16.
19:23 IST:
4.5: Lockie Ferguson to Abhishek Sharma, Back of a length and around off, angling away, Abhishek Sharma backs away to go over covers but misses.
19:22 IST:
4.4: Lockie Ferguson to Ishan Kishan, Hard length and on middle and off, at 144.8 clicks, Ishan Kishan gets a bit hurried on his flick and it goes off the outer half of the bat through point. The cross.
19:21 IST:
4.3: Lockie Ferguson to Ishan Kishan, SIX! Much more in control this time! Pitched up and outside off, pace on this time. Ishan Kishan extends his arms and gently drives it. He times it so well that it goes all the way over deep extra cover for half a dozen.
19:21 IST:
4.2: Lockie Ferguson to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Up and over! A slower delivery, full and well outside off. Ishan Kishan does very well to reach out for it. Not only that, he gets enough power to lift it over mid off. Almost goes all the way but just bounces before for a boundary.
19:20 IST:
4.1: Lockie Ferguson to Ishan Kishan, Fuller and on leg, at 143.8 clicks, Ishan Kishan tries to swipe it away but gets beaten due to the pace and the ball hits his pads.
Score 37/1
BatsmanAbhishek Sharma 30(14b 4*4 2*6)
BowlerJacob Duffy 2-0-20-0
19:19 IST:
3.6: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! That spoils the over a bit! Good length and around off, pace off again. Abhishek Sharma uses the long handles to reach out for it and thumps it over mid off for a boundary. A couple of quiet overs from the Kiwis.
19:19 IST:
3.5: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, Nicely bowled! An off-cutter, banged into the pitch and around off. Abhishek Sharma gets deceived as he sways away. He decides late to attempt the upper cut but misses.
19:18 IST:
3.4: Jacob Duffy to Ishan Kishan, Pitched up and on leg, takes pace off, Ishan Kishan clips it to short fine for a run.
19:17 IST:
3.3: Jacob Duffy to Ishan Kishan, A slower one, hard length and around leg. Ishan Kishan goes down for a scoop but miscues it off the toe-end of the bat towards short fine.
19:17 IST:
3.2: Jacob Duffy to Ishan Kishan, Touch fuller and on middle, Ishan Kishan blocks it down the pitch.
19:16 IST:
3.1: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, Back of a length and around off, Abhishek Sharma dabs it towards backward point for a quick single.
Score 31/1
BatsmanIshan Kishan 0(1b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerLockie Ferguson 1-0-2-1
19:15 IST:
2.6: Lockie Ferguson to Ishan Kishan, Low full toss, on leg, Ishan Kishan tucks it to mid-wicket.
19:21 IST:
The fans are shellshocked in the Greenfield Stadium. Samson's disappointing series ends with another low score. But how about that for a comeback in the side for Lockie Ferguson? First wicket in the first over. Ishan Kishan is in at number 3.
19:15 IST:
2.5: Lockie Ferguson to Sanju Samson, OUT! TAKEN! Lockie Ferguson draws first blood! It is absolute silence here in Greenfield Stadium, as their local boy walks back cheaply. This is fuller and around off, at 145.8 kph, with not much movement. Sanju Samson takes a step back in the crease and has a wild hoick across the line, but only manages to get a fat leading edge. It flies towards deep third, where Bevon Jacobs moves to his left, gets low, and takes a good catch near his knees. Change of bats does not change the fortunes for Samson, as he goes back for 6 (6). India are 31/1.
19:18 IST:
Amar Panicker says

IND vs NZ Live: Heartbreak in Trivandrum

That is clearly not how the crowd in Thiruvananthapuram wanted it to go. Once again, express pace proves too much for Abhishek Sharma, and the buzz drains out of the Greenfield International Stadium.

It was one of his most scratchy innings. Samson didn't get into a rhythm at all. He tried to play a premeditated big shot into the leg side against the pace of Ferguson, who finds success in his first match in this series. 

How long will the team management continue to back Samson? Do they want an out-of-form opener in the World Cup? 

There’s a bit of banter among the reporters in the box, with a few joking that they might just pack up and leave now.

Courtesy: India Today

19:24 IST:
It is a black soil pitch, with 60 percent of clay content, informs Deep Dasgupta on air.
19:13 IST:
2.4: Lockie Ferguson to Abhishek Sharma, A wide yorker, outside off, Abhishek Sharma opens the face of his bat and squeezes it out through backward point for one.
19:12 IST:
2.3: Lockie Ferguson to Abhishek Sharma, Sharp bowling! Lockie Ferguson sees the batter back away and follows him, bangs this into the pitch, on leg, gets some extra bounce off the deck. Abhishek Sharma gets cramped up for room and just tries to have a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
19:12 IST:
2.2: Lockie Ferguson to Sanju Samson, Hard length and on off, jags back in again. Sanju Samson stays back and tries to punch it away but gets an inside edge towards deep square leg for a single.
19:12 IST:
Change of bat for Samson. Ravi Bishnoi rushes out from the dugout with a couple of options. Sanju selects one. Good to resume. 
19:12 IST:
2.1: Lockie Ferguson to Sanju Samson, Back of a length and on off, nips back in, Sanju Samson gets a but hurried by it and stabs it out to short cover.
19:10 IST:
Will Duffy continue from this end? He won't. Bowler number 3 in the third over for New Zealand. Here's Lockie Ferguson replacing Duffy. 
Score 29/0
BatsmanAbhishek Sharma 24(9b 3*4 2*6)
BowlerKyle Jamieson 1-0-15-0
19:11 IST:
1.6: Kyle Jamieson to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! Clean as a whistle! Kyle Jamieson goes fuller but serves this right in the slot, on middle and leg. Abhishek Sharma brings his wrists into play and just whips it nonchalantly over the long on fence for another biggie. India are off to a flier here, yet again.
19:13 IST:
Akshay Ramesh

IND vs NZ Live: Abhishek Sharma in full flow

No wonder there are so many Abhishek Sharma shirts outside every cricket venue in the country. He has been proper paisa-vasool.

In his short stay in the middle, Abhishek flaunted his range, hitting them all over the park.

An upar-cut, a cover drive, a backfoot punch through covers and a flick that flew into the Team India dugout.

Sanju Samson has missed that kind of fluency so far. 

Abhishek's name is on the lips of fans here. 

Meanwhile, Samson has got his bat changed. 

19:08 IST:
1.5: Kyle Jamieson to Abhishek Sharma, Hits the length hard and on the sixth stump line, keeps rising after hitting the deck. Abhishek Sharma looks to guide it away but gets beaten on the outside edge due to the extra bounce.
19:08 IST:
1.4: Kyle Jamieson to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! That sounded sweet! Kyle Jamieson lands this short of a length and on off. Abhishek Sharma gets on top of the bounce and punches it with sweet timing through covers for a boundary. He moves to 18 off just 7 balls.
19:07 IST:
1.3: Kyle Jamieson to Sanju Samson, Back of a length and around off, Sanju Samson runs it down to deep third for a single.
19:06 IST:
1.2: Kyle Jamieson to Sanju Samson, EDGED AND FOUR! Sanju Samson gets the luck of his hometown! This is full again and on off, shaping away. Samson looks to work it across the line but closes the bat face early. It takes the leading edge and flies through the vacant second slip region for a boundary.
19:06 IST:
1.1: Kyle Jamieson to Sanju Samson, Kyle Jamieson begins with a fuller one and on off, Sanju Samson strides out and drives it to short cover.
19:06 IST:
Action-packed first over. Dare we say, on the expected lines. Kyle Jamieson will operate from the opposite end. Under pressure, Sanju on strike. 
Score 14/0
BatsmanAbhishek Sharma 14(6b 2*4 1*6)
BowlerJacob Duffy 1-0-14-0
19:05 IST:
0.6: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! There he goes again! Fuller delivery, outside off, keeping it away from the batter. Abhishek Sharma skips down the track and reaches out for it. He slices it off the outer half of the bat but gets it over extra cover as the ball trickles to the fence for four more runs. 14 runs off the first over!
19:08 IST:
Amar Panicker says

IND vs NZ Live: Abhishek gets going

What a start once again from Abhishek Sharma. He continues to underline just how good he is.

There was a hint of caution early on, but that was quickly shelved as he charged down the track and went after the deep point region. All the pre-match talk around Sanju Samson can wait — Abhishek is firing on all cylinders here.

19:04 IST:
0.5: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Clever shot! Jacob Duffy bangs this one into the pitch, on middle, gets some extra bounce as well. Abhishek Sharma lets it come to him. He watches the ball onto his bat and just opens the face to uppercut it towards the third man fence for a boundary.
19:03 IST:
0.4: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, On a length and on middle, attacking the stumps, Abhishek Sharma gets behind the line of it and blocks it down the pitch.
19:04 IST:
Three balls. That is all this new ball has survived, as it has gone out of shape. Probably landed on the concrete in the stands. The fourth umpire is out with a briefcase of replacement balls. The on-field umpires pick another one, and we are good to resume. 
19:02 IST:
0.3: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! BANG! Makes it look easy. Jacob Duffy bowls the slower one early, goes fuller and around off. Abhishek Sharma picks it up. Extends his arms to get under it and carves it over the deep extra cover fence for the first biggie of the game. India get going.
19:01 IST:
0.2: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, Back of a length and around off, Abhishek Sharma steers it towards point. Hmm... watchful from Abhishek!
19:00 IST:
0.1: Jacob Duffy to Abhishek Sharma, A rare dot on the first ball of this series! Jacob Duffy starts with a good-length delivery, outside off, angling further away. Abhishek Sharma throws his hands at it but cannot quite reach it.
19:07 IST:
All set for the fifth and final T20I to get underway in the beautiful city of Thiruvananthapuram. The Kiwi players spread out to take their respective positions. Out walk the two Indian openers - Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. No doubt there is a lot of support for the local boy, Samson. Jacob Duffy has the new ball and is raring to go. Okay, anything could happen on the first ball, as Abhishek is set to take the strike. It has been all or nothing for him this series. Will Duffy get movement? Let's see. Surprisingly, no slip in place. Here we go!
18:50 IST:
New Zealand (Playing XI) - Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen (In for Devon Conway), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Bevon Jacobs (In for Mark Chapman), Mitchell Santner (C), Kyle Jamieson (In for Zakary Foulkes), Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson (In for Matt Henry), Jacob Duffy.
21:00 IST:
India (Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (WK) (In for Harshit Rana), Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (In for Kuldeep Yadav), Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy (In for Ravi Bishnoi), Jasprit Bumrah.
18:53 IST:
The skipper of New Zealand - Mitchell Santner says that there is a bit more wind on this ground. Adds that it is another opportunity for them to bowl first and execute their plans. Highlights that they have batted first in the last three games, so, it is different this time around. Informs that they have made four changes to the team. Finn Allen comes in for Conway, Bevon Jacobs is in for Chapman. Kyle Jamieson is also playing and Lockie Ferguson replaces Matt Henry. Says that it is just precautionary for Henry and they want to rotate as well. Tells that Jacobs getting a game is a good thing for them. Ends by saying that it is good to have big players back and everyone knows what Lockie can produce.
18:48 IST:
The captain of India - Suryakumar Yadav, on the reason to bat first, he mentions that they were here last night and shares that there was a lot of dew. Also adds that they want to test themselves while defending the total. Shares that the groundsmen said it is going to be true for 40 overs. On the team combination and changes, SKY informs that Axar Patel is back and Ishan Kishan also makes it to the XI, but struggles to remember the third change. He is quick to mention that the local boy, Sanju Samson is playing, which is met with a huge roar from the crowd. About Tilak's fitness, SKY says they are waiting for him to get completely fit before the World Cup and also mentions that he is playing a few practice games as well. Further adds that they have almost covered all the departments and have learnt something from every game to take it forward.
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