New Zealand vs India, 5th T20I - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: India tour of New Zealand, 2020 Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui Date & Time: Feb 02, 08:00 PM LOCAL

KL Rahul gave India a good start once again © AFP

5-0 to INDIA!

Shardul Thakur conceded two massive sixes in the final over against Sodhi, but does well enough to earn India a 7-run victory.

NZ need 21 off the last over

WICKET: Taylor falls to Saini

He chases a wide delivery and gets a thin outside edge that's gobbled up by Rahul. Taylor has fallen for 53 with the equation getting tighter and tighter now.

@cricbuzz

305 43

India kept in check

The spinners have not given away easy boundaries after the powerplay, and have bowled to their fields. Rahul and Rohit have stayed in, but are now showing signs of looking to get after the bowlers.

Powerplay: India 53/1

It has been a tidy effort from New Zealand, particularly Scott Kuggeleign, who has given away only 20 in the three overs he's bowled in this period. Rohit Sharma has been kept on a leash, even as he's forced to try a few different things.

Rahul tees off...

He hits 15 off an over from Tim Southee, and has got off to a good start yet again.

WICKET: Sanju falls for 2

Another missed opportunity for Sanju Samson. He hits a length ball straight into the hands of short cover, and Kuggeleijn gets a wicket in his first over.

India opt to bat

Just the one change confirms Rohit, and also says that Sanju Samson will open the innings while he bats at No. 3. No changes for NZ.

India (Playing XI): Lokesh Rahul(w), Sanju Samson, Rohit Sharma(c), Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Tim Seifert(w), Ross Taylor, Tom Bruce, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tim Southee(c), Ish Sodhi, Hamish Bennett

Rohit set to lead India

Looks like Kohli is sitting out this game. And no Kane Williamson still for New Zealand.

Building up...

Hello and welcome to our coverage of the final T20I being played at Mount Maunganui. Surely, there can't be a third Super Over in a row, right? This series has already caught the attention of the cricketing world thanks to the last two games. And the hosts, New Zealand are yet to register a win. Will this game turn out to be better? What changes will India make given their penchant for rotation now. We should know that soon at the toss. Stay tuned.