Incredibly New Zealand lost a second successive T20I in a super over in match four of the series to give India a 4-0 lead heading into the final match.
That result leaves the Black Caps desperate to salvage some pride and New Zealand cricket fans with serious super over trauma.
Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Fifth T20I | Sunday 2 February 2020 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | 09:00
To Win
New Zealand 13/10
Tie 35/1
India 17/20
New Zealand
For the second match in a row, New Zealand suffered super over heartache, but yet again they only have themselves to blame after botching their chase.
Colin Munro and Tim Seifert had set the Kiwis on the path to victory with a 74-run stand for the second wicket, but both would be run out as the Black Caps self-destructed.
The bowling effort from the hosts was much better, and they troubled a much-changed India top order to give New Zealand a shot at taking something from the match.
New Zealand have not been a long way off the pace but have let themselves down by making mistakes at crucial moments.
India
India rested Third T20I hero Rohit Sharma for the fourth match while Washington Sundar came in for Ravindra Jadeja.
Virat Kohli’s high standards in the field were not always maintained during the fourth T20I, but Lokesh Rahul was superb behind the stumps and continues to be in fine form with the bat.
India showed great fight to force a super over when the game seemed lost, and they have demonstrated great winning mentality throughout the series.
Manish Pandey delivered a knock in Wellington that might save his India career, but he would probably like to get more runs under his belt should he get another opportunity in the fifth T20I.
Verdict: India 17/20
India have taken every match of the series so far, and the whitewash is on.
Written by James Richardson for Hollywoodbets
