Daryl Mitchell's 55 Fires New Zealand to Victory
New Zealand have won by 21 runs. New Zealand batted first and posted 134/10 in 41 overs. India, chasing 135, fell short at 113/7 in 26 overs.
New Zealand struggled through their innings, losing wickets at regular intervals. Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 55 off 104 balls (SR 53), but lacked support from the other end. The powerplay yielded 11 runs — early wickets put them under pressure from the start.
Shreyas Iyer fought hard with 30 off 46 balls, but it was not enough to haul India over the line. The required rate climbed too steeply in the end.
With the ball, Gurnoor Singh Brar delivered figures of 4/30 in 10 overs (Econ 3.0). A match-defining spell that tore through the batting order.
IND lead the series 5-2. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.
The Turning Point
The match was effectively decided in the first innings itself. Losing 10 wickets for just 134 put New Zealand on the back foot from the start, and the chase was never in doubt.
Key Performers
55 off 104 balls (SR 53), 5 fours, 2 sixes
4/30 in 10 overs (Econ: 3.00)
31 off 38 balls (SR 82), 1 fours, 2 sixes
Verdict
New Zealand showed composure when it mattered most and deserve this victory. India will rue missed opportunities — a 21 runs deficit could have been avoided with sharper execution in the key moments. IND lead the series 5-2. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.