Thiruvananthapuram was in readiness for the series decider since the outcome of Rajkot T20 International and the tickets were sold out three days prior the match day. But last monsoon of Kerala had some other ideas to offer, which reduced 24 overs from a full match.

Meanwhile, Kane Williamson opted to bowl after winning the toss in rain-curtailed T20I. Both teams tempered with their bowling department, which proved right for Kiwis in the first half. Indian openers were off to a tricky start before perishing on successive deliveries off comeback man Tim Southee. Captain Kohli tried to accelerate the game but a miscued hit brought his early departure in the series decider.

Shreyas Iyer and Manish Pandey tried to steady the ship, but there was not the time to fix eyes in the match. Iyer failed but Pandey and Pandya’s efforts gave India a total, where they can fight for a win. India ended with 67/5 on board and wickets at regular interval interrupted their attacking approach with the bat.

Kuldeep Yadav is playing his first T20I game of this series and can play the role of trump card for Kohli as Kiwis haven’t watched him much. Interestingly, this is the first game with new playing conditions and here is an amendment with the number of overs allowed for per bowler. In this eight-over game, four bowlers can bowl a maximum of 2 overs. Bumrah and Bhuvi should get their full swing if India wants to stretch this game until the end.