Captain Kane Williamson could not hide his disappointment after another super over defeat for New Zealand.
The Black Caps let a commanding position slip as they lost against India in Hamilton. The win also means the visitors have taken an unassailable 3-0 T20I series lead.
It had looked like New Zealand would keep the contest alive but then fell at the final hurdle despite their captain’s heroics.
He hit a brilliant 95 from 48 balls to put New Zealand on the brink of a much-needed success despite being dismissed by Mohammed Shami in the final over.
However, the clash had to go to a super over as New Zealand failed to find the three runs required from the last four balls of their innings.
The home side, who lost the World Cup final to England in a super over last year, again missed out as India chased down 18 to come out on top.
It is the first series win in New Zealand for them and gives them chance to rotate the squad for the fourth T20I in Wellington on Friday.
New Zealand are priced at 2.15 (8/7) with 10Cric to bounce back. India are available at 1.58 (4/7) to continue their winning streak.
Improved showing wasn’t enough for New Zealand
Williamson was pleased with the way his side improved from the last clash in Auckland but was left to rue small margins once more.
He said: “Super overs haven’t been too successful for us.
“India showed their experience in the crunch situation. We bowled well after they got off to a superb start.
“(It’s) very disappointing. It was nice to spend some time in the middle. It was disappointing not to cross the finishing lines.
“It is a game of small margins. It was a much better performance from us.”
Speaking at the post-match presentation, India skipper Virat Kohli added: “I thought we were gone at one stage. I told our coach that they deserved to win.
“The way Kane was batting, on 95. I feel bad for him, I know what it’s like to play those knocks when things don’t go your way.”
