'We were a bit sloppy': Iyer points out India's mistakes after 5th T20I defeat

India captain Shreyas Iyer admitted that his team fell short in all three departments after suffering a seven-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I at Seddon Park on Sunday. Despite clinching the five-match series 3-2, Iyer pointed to India's inability to maintain momentum with the bat, coupled with an underwhelming bowling and fielding display, as key reasons behind the defeat.

India posted 191/8 after being asked to bat first, with Ishan Kishan and Iyer producing impressive half-centuries. However, the visitors failed to capitalise on their strong recovery after losing both set batters in quick succession. New Zealand made the most of India's shortcomings in the field and chased down the target in just 17.4 overs. Tim Seifert led the charge with a blistering 93 off 50 deliveries, while Glenn Phillips remained unbeaten on 65 off 38 balls to guide the hosts to a comfortable seven-wicket victory.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Iyer acknowledged that India could have done better after building a promising platform with the bat. "It was plausible, honestly. We could have been better considering the start we got in the middle overs, the way Ishan and I created the momentum. And then from there on we lost back-to-back wickets. And then suddenly pressure on the new batsman," Iyer said.

Iyer and Kishan added 93 runs for the third wicket after India were reduced to 19/2 early in the innings. Kishan scored 61 off 32 balls, while the Indian skipper contributed 50 off just 23 deliveries. The duo helped India recover from a difficult position and put the visitors on course for a total in excess of 200. However, their dismissals in quick succession disrupted India's momentum and allowed New Zealand to regain control.

Iyer also highlighted the nature of the surface, explaining how the movement and variable bounce made batting challenging, particularly against deliveries directed at a hard length. "It wasn't an easy wicket to play on, especially when the ball was seaming and holding a bit. And also skidding through at times. You must have seen a couple of us; Tilak and I got out in a similar fashion. So yeah, it was challenging, especially with that hard length. But to get to 194, yeah, it was reasonable, I feel. I think we still could have been better with our bowling and fielding. We were a bit sloppy," he added.

India's fielding lapses also proved costly during New Zealand's chase. Naman Dhir dropped Seifert when the opener was batting on 13, allowing him to make the most of the reprieve and go on to score a match-winning 93. Sanju Samson also missed an opportunity to dismiss Phillips after failing to hold on to a sharp outside edge in the 15th over. Iyer admitted that fielding remains an area where India need to improve, while acknowledging the challenges of playing under different conditions in New Zealand.

"So, I feel today was just that opportunity which we wanted to capitalise on, but we couldn't. But we can brainstorm, and we have to work on a couple of things, especially fielding. That is one aspect of the game we need to improve on," he said. "But honestly, it's not that easy when you come under such dark lights, clear skies. We don't get that much in India. But yeah, great learning curve," he added.

Despite the defeat in the final T20I, Iyer termed the series a valuable learning experience for the Indian side, particularly given the challenges of playing in overseas conditions. India had taken an unassailable 3-0 lead after winning the first three matches before New Zealand bounced back with victories in the final two games to finish the series 3-2.