The victory marked the second consecutive win for New Zealand, who had dropped the first three matches of the series. While India ultimately claimed the series 3-2, Seifert expressed satisfaction with the team’s ability to adapt and close out the final games effectively. Reflecting on his own performance, the opener admitted that the elusive century remains a significant goal, joking that the pressure of reaching the landmark is becoming increasingly heavy.
Seifert reflects on turnaround and personal milestone
Seifert’s innings was a remarkable recovery after a series of low scores, though he acknowledged that luck played a part when he was dropped early in his knock on 13. His dismissal, an inside edge onto his stumps off Nitish Kumar Reddy, denied him the century he has been chasing. He noted that while winning remains the primary objective, the personal milestone is something he is eager to achieve in the future, hoping it does not take another 95 matches to secure the opportunity.
Discussing the team's late-series success, Seifert highlighted the importance of adapting to different pitch conditions and executing high-percentage shots. He suggested that New Zealand had been competitive throughout the series, including the opening matches in Christchurch, but had struggled to win the decisive moments. By focusing on these small margins, the squad was able to finish the campaign on a high note, proving their capability against a strong Indian side.
Glenn Phillips sets new series record
The final match also served as a showcase for Glenn Phillips, who concluded a prolific series by setting a new record for the most runs scored in a bilateral
Seifert was quick to praise his teammate’s tactical approach, noting that Phillips’ success stemmed from his ability to settle in before attacking specific match-ups. He credited Phillips for his composure and highlighted how the depth of the New Zealand batting lineup allows players to maintain an aggressive mindset throughout the innings. With the series now concluded, the focus shifts to the lessons learned from the tight margins that defined the opening encounters.
