Team India suffered a seven-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Sunday (November 1).
After being put in to bat, the visitors posted 191/8 in their 20 overs on the back of half-centuries from Ishan Kishan (61 off 32) and Shreyas Iyer (50 off 23). Kiwi pacer Adam Milne proved to be the chief destroyer on his home ground, ripping through the middle and lower order with a stellar spell of 4/19.
In response, New Zealand made quick work of the 192-run target, completing the chase in just 18 overs. Opener Tim Seifert anchored the home side with a blistering 93 off 50 balls, while an in-form Glenn Phillips finished unbeaten on 65 off 38 balls to seal the comprehensive seven-wicket win.
Reflecting on the loss, India skipper Shreyas highlighted that losing set batters in quick succession during the middle overs halted their scoring momentum after him and Ishan provided a strong platform with a 93-run partnership.
“It was plausible honestly. We could have been better considering the start we got in the middle overs, the way Ishan and I, we created the momentum. And then from there on we lost back-to-back wickets. And then suddenly pressure on the new batsman,” Shreyas said at the post-match presentation.
He noted that the pitch was challenging, with the ball seaming, holding up, and occasionally skidding through from a hard length, which caused both him and Tilak Varma to get out in similar fashion.
“It wasn't an easy wicket to play on, especially when the ball was seaming and holding a bit. And also skidding through at times. You must have seen a couple of like myself and Tilak, we got out in a similar fashion. So yeah, it was challenging especially of that hard length. But to get to 194, yeah, it was reasonable, I feel,” Iyer added.
Beyond the batting department, the captain explicitly pointed out that India's bowling and fielding displays were "sloppy". He emphasized fielding as the primary aspect the team needs to brainstorm and fix going forward
“I think we still could have been better with our bowling and fielding. We were a bit sloppy. But great learning. I think coming overseas, coming to New Zealand, getting to play on such different occasions, different grounds. Yeah, great learning curve,” he said.
Despite the late surge from the hosts to win the final two matches, India's dominant hat-trick of wins in the opening fixtures ensured they took home the bilateral T20I series.
Asked about using the final two matches of the series to experiment and challenge the team, Iyer replied: “Absolutely, I think the first three games, absolutely it gave us, it steadied the rhythm for us. And then coming in the last two games, I feel we were in this position where we wanted to experiment and also challenge ourselves a bit more. And today was the right opportunity. And obviously we didn't live up to it. But a great learning as I mentioned.”
With the T20I leg wrapped up and the upcoming ODI series on the horizon, Shreyas Iyer said they have shifted their attention rather than over-analyze the last two defeats.
“I think right now I don't want to think much about it because we've got ODIs to play. But boys are in high spirits. It's definitely something, you know, when you come overseas, you are challenged by different aspects of the game. And the more you take the bull by the horns, the better it gets,” Iyer stated.
“So I feel today was just that opportunity which we wanted to capitalize on, but we couldn't. But, we can brainstorm and we have to work on couple of things, especially fielding. That is one aspect of the game we need to improve on. But honestly it's not that easy when you come under such dark lights, clear skies. We don't get that much in India. But yeah, great learning curve,” he remarked.
In the end, Shreyas Iyer expressed deep gratitude for the strong turn-out and vocal backing from the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, which provided a major confidence boost.
“Definitely the way they came in numbers and supported us, it gave us immense confidence when we entered the ground. And their love and support means a lot. And I hope that we keep getting it in every match we encounter,” he concluded.
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
