The series finale was affected by rain due to which only 8 overs were played, batting first India managed to score 67 runs which were never a commanding total but the bowlers stepped up and bowled exceptionally well under pressure to restrict the Kiwis as the host edged past a spirited New Zealand side by 6 runs to clinch the T20I series 2-1.
Jasprit Bumrah (2/9) and Yuzvendra Chahal (8 runs in 2 overs) starred with the ball as the batsmen could not catch up with the ever-rising required run-rate. For New Zealand, Colin de Grandhomme was the only saving grace who remained not out on 17.
Earlier, on a new track, that had a lot of moisture, the Indians didn't quite have the best of starts as the opening pair of Rohit Sharma (8) and Shikhar Dhawan (6) found it difficult to get going and were removed off successive deliveries by Tim Southee. The Indian batsmen found the going tough and crucial contributions from Manish Pandey (17) and Hardik Pandya (14) took the hosts to a below-par total of 67/5.
Brief scores:
India 67 for 5 in 8 overs (Virat Kohli 13, Manish Pandey 17; Tim Southee 2 for 13, Ish Sodhi 2 for 23) beat New Zealand 61 for 8 in 8 overs (Glenn Phillip 11, Colin de Grandhomme 17*; Jasprit Bumrah 2 for 9) by 6 runs.
Man of the Match: Jasprit Bumrah.
Man of the Series: Jasprit Bumrah.