India secure T20 series win over New Zealand after dramatic rain-affected tie

India secured a series win over New Zealand in the unlikeliest of fashions after scrambling to a rain-affected tie in the decisive T20 in Napier.
A slight fielding error from Mitchell Santner ended up settling the result, allowing Deepak Hooda and Hardik Pandya to race through for a single that nudged India to 75 for four at the end of the ninth over.
It was not entirely clear at the time, but that run lifted the tourists exactly to the DLS par. Heavy rain intervened immediately afterwards and no further action was possible, meaning the spoils were shared on the night and India walked away with a 1-0 series win.

Black Caps skipper Tim Southee was pragmatic at the conclusion, saying: “It would have been an interesting game, if it went the full way. There was some confusion with the DLS. We will give Santner a bit of grief but such things happen.”
New Zealand had earlier been bowled out for 160 in the final over of their innings, with half-centuries from Devon Conway (59) and Glenn Phillips (54).
The pair shared an 86-run stand for the third wicket but a drastic collapse of eight for 30 unfolded as Arshdeep Singh and Mohammad Siraj took four apiece.
Southee struck twice with the new ball as the Indian response stumbled to 21 for three but India captain Pandya struck an unbeaten 30 in just 18 balls to flip the momentum before Hooda’s lucky single ensured a rare tied result.
Latest
-
News
Ben Duckett helps England rally to 206 in ODI series decider against West Indies
The tourists had slumped to 49 five in the 10th over.
-
News
England lose ODI series as West Indies chase reduced target
Jos Buttler out first ball as top-order collapse leaves England with mountain to climb in Barbados.
-
News
West Indies loss ‘start of a new journey’ for England insists Jos Buttler
Captain believes Caribbean defeat will provide vital experience for team in post-World Cup reset.
-
News
England beaten in final match of T20 series as India claim consolation victory
Skipper Heather Knight top-scored with 52.
-
News
Matthew Mott: Change of format can rejuvenate Jos Buttler
Buttler’s World Cup hangover followed him to the Caribbean with two single-figure scores.
-
England
Liam Livingstone praises England spinner Rehan Ahmed as ‘exceptional talent’
Ahmed has furthered his blossoming reputation against the West Indies by recording identical figures of 10-1-40-2 in two ODIs in Antigua.
-
England
Little bit of relief – Sam Curran and England bounce back in Antigua
Curran laid the groundwork for England’s six-wicket win.
-
England
Sam Curran and Jos Buttler return to form as England level series in Antigua
Chasing 203, Will Jacks put England into the ascendancy with a sparkling 73 off 72 balls.
-
England
Sam Curran finds form as England bowl out West Indies for 202
Curran took three big scalps days after enduring a tough time in the first ODI.
-
England
Andrew Flintoff set to return to England’s backroom staff for Windies T20 series
Flintoff first linked up with the national side in an unpaid role for ODI series against New Zealand and Ireland before the World Cup.