The 5th T20 International between India and New Zealand was played on February 2, Sunday, at Mount Maunganui in New Zealand. India had already won the matches and in a leading position in this series dominating it by 4-0 and was very close to the whitewash New Zealand team.
The Kiwi captain Kane Williamson was not playing this match due to some injury; therefore, fast bowler Tim Southee led the New Zealand team in this match. Indian team won the toss and decided to bat first. Rohit Sharma was the Indian captain for this match.
On batting first, Rohit and Rahul played brilliant innings and led the Indian team to a fighting score of 163 runs in their 20 over. Rohit Sharma scored the most 60 runs, and unfortunately, while batting, he got a cramp on his left calf. He was not able to play further, so he decided to retired hurt. Therefore KL Rahul was selected as an on-field captain for this match in the absence of Indian skipper in the field.
When New Zealand came to chase the target, both openers got out early of the inning and failed to give a good start. Experienced player Ross Taylor and wicketkeeper-batsman Seifert balanced and handled the innings with excellent cricket. Taylor and Seifert scored 34 runs in one over of Shivam Dube. This over was the second most expensive over in T20 International history. Ross Taylor scored 53 runs while Tim Seifert scored 50 runs, but still, New Zealand team could not chase the target and left short by 7 runs.
Indian team won the last match of series by 7 runs and whitewashed the New Zealand team at New Zealand in T20 Internationals for the very first time in history. Jasprit Bumrah from India was selected for the player of the match award for his brilliant 3 wickets hall.