NZ vs IND, 3rd T20I: Rain plays spoilsport as India clinch the series

Mohammed Siraj recorded a sensational four-for [Source: Twitter]

The final T20I of the three-match series between India and New Zealand ended in a tie (DLS) after rain played spoilsport during the second innings. 

India, having won the second match, sealed the series by 1-0. The first ODI of the three-match series between the two teams will be played in Auckland on Friday (November 25). 

Conway and Phillips ensure a fighting total for NZ

After opting to bat first, New Zealand suffered an early setback, as Arshdeep Singh trapped Finn Allen plumb in front of the stumps in the second over. Mark Chapman, Kane Williamson's replacement for the game, also couldn't do much, departing for a run-a-ball 12. 

Glenn Phillips in action [Source: Twitter]

However, Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips steadied the ship for the hosts, stitching a valuable 86-run stand for the third wicket. While Phillips hammered five fours and three sixes for his breathtaking 33-ball 54, Conway fell prey to Mohammed Siraj for a well-compiled 49-ball 59. 

The rest of the Kiwi batting lineup surrendered to the accuracy of Siraj and Arshdeep, as the duo ran riot to bundle the hosts out for 160 in 19.4 overs. 

Rain intervenes as the match ends in a tie

In response, India had a disastrous start, losing the openers inside three overs. The pillars of the Indian middle-order, Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer, recorded failures with the bat, being dismissed for 13 and zero, respectively. 

The match was heading to a thrilling finish, with Hardik Pandya and Deepak Hooda holding the fort for India. However, unfortunately, a thunderstorm struck Napier and continued for a fair amount of time. 

As a result, the umpires eventually called off the match. However, it was declared a tie as India were placed at the DLS par total of 75 when rain encountered. 

Brief Scores

New Zealand: 160 (19.4)
Devon Conway 59 (49), Glenn Phillips 54 (33);
Mohammed Siraj 4/17 (4), Arshdeep Singh 4/37 (4)

India: 75/4 (9)
Hardik Pandya 30* (18), Suryakumar Yadav 13 (10);
Tim Southee 2/27 (3), Ish Sodhi 1/12 (2)

Match Tied (DLS Method). 

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