Hamilton, 01 November (H.S.): India suffered a seven-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the fifth and final T20 International, but had already secured the five-match series 3-2 by winning the first three games. Speaking after the match, India’s T20 captain Shreyas Iyer reflected on the reasons for the defeat, admitting that the team had failed to capitalise on a promising start in the middle overs and could have performed better with both the ball and in the field.

Iyer said the team could have made better use of the momentum built during the middle overs, particularly after the way Ishan Kishan and he had accelerated the innings. However, the loss of wickets in quick succession put pressure on the incoming batters.

He observed that batting on the surface was not easy, especially as the ball was seaming and stopping slightly before reaching the bat. Describing the conditions as challenging, he said that India’s total of 191 was a reasonable score, but added that the team could have improved its bowling and fielding performance.

Iyer described the tour as a valuable learning experience, saying that travelling to New Zealand and playing at different venues had provided the team with an excellent opportunity to learn.

He said the victories in the first three matches had given India good momentum. In the final two games, however, the team had been in a position to experiment and challenge itself further. He reiterated that the series had offered important lessons for the players.

The Indian T20 captain also spoke about the challenges of playing overseas, noting that touring teams encounter different demands across various aspects of the game. He said that the more courageously a team faces such challenges, the better its performance becomes. India, he felt, had a similar opportunity in the final match but had been unable to make the most of it.

Iyer added that the team would review its performance and work on areas requiring improvement, particularly fielding, which he identified as an aspect of the game that needed greater attention.

Expressing gratitude to Indian supporters in New Zealand, Iyer said the large turnout and enthusiastic backing had given the players considerable confidence whenever they stepped onto the field. He said their affection and support meant a great deal to the team and expressed hope that the fans would continue to extend similar support in future matches.

In the match, India, after losing the toss and being asked to bat first, posted 191 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. In response, New Zealand chased down the target of 192, reaching 192 for three in 18 overs to register a seven-wicket victory.

The result, however, did not affect the series outcome. India clinched the five-match T20I series 3-2 after winning the first three matches, while New Zealand finished the series on a winning note by claiming the final two games.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar