Phillips, Santner shine as India clinch T20I series

India held on to win the five-match T20 International series 3-2 against New Zealand despite suffering a seven-wicket defeat in the fifth and final match on Sunday.

The hosts produced a commanding performance in the series finale, chasing down India's 191-8 with 12 balls to spare at 195-3. Tim Seifert led the charge with a blistering 93 off 50 balls, while Glenn Phillips remained unbeaten on 65 off 38 deliveries.

India's series victory, however, was built on their performances in the earlier matches, as they won three of the first four encounters to secure the series before Sunday's defeat.

India's batting depth proved decisive, with Abhishek Sharma contributing 197 runs, including a stunning 113 off 38 balls in the third T20I. Glenn Phillips, however, finished as the series' leading run-scorer with 341 runs, including a century and three half-centuries. His outstanding performance also earned him the Player of the Series award. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner topped the bowling charts with nine wickets.

Despite the series defeat, New Zealand finished on a high note, while India took the trophy after an entertaining contest between the two sides.