The Black Caps have been unsuccessful in wrapping up the Twenty20 series after India successfully chased down the 159-run target with seven wickets to spare.
New Zealand Black Caps captain Kane Williamson at the end of the match. Photo: © Copyright Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz Photosport Ltd 2019
Electing to bat first the Black Caps were on the hunt to secure the three-match T20 series win at Eden Park in Auckland, only two days after India's historic loss by 80 runs.
A controversial review contributed to the Black Caps' growing loss of wickets.
Daryl Mitchell was deemed to be out by LBW prompting the New Zealanders to check the decision under its DRS review system.
The review seemed to show there was a touch on the inside edge of the bat, but somehow the third umpire ruled Mitchell out. A stunned partner and captain Kane Williamson fell on his sword shortly after for 20, also by LBW, albeit legitimate.
It was not long before top scorer Colin de Grandhomme helped in the recovery hitting 50 before being caught and bowled. New Zealand going on to finish the first innings on 158 after 20 overs, following some impressive death bowling from India.
"They executed their plans really well and used the wind and the boundaries to their advantage," de Grandhomme said.
"I thought we needed 160 plus at least.
"We probably could have got a bit more if we'd kept that partnership going just for a couple more overs then it would have been a good score."
While it was not the sell-out it was supposed to be, a roaring Eden Park, many suited in blue, helped the visitors seek redemption and send the series to a decider.
The tourists chased down the target with a whopping seven wickets and seven balls to spare.
Rohit Sharma led the charge scoring 50 off 29 balls and passing Martin Guptill to become the highest run scorer in international T20s. Rishabh Pant finished it off with an unbeaten 40 off 28.
The final double header starts on Sunday afternoon.
- RNZ