Blackcaps v India: Kane Williamson rues another costly 'super over' defeat

Blackcaps captain Kane Williamson is again reflecting on what might have been, as his side slumped to their third 'super over' loss in six months. 

After losing in the Cricket World Cup one-day final in July and then a Twenty20 series decider in November - both against England - the Blackcaps have tumbled to another series defeat, losing to India in a 'super over' in Hamilton on Wednesday night. 

Chasing 180 runs to win in the third T20, New Zealand needed just one off the final ball of the innings for victory, when Mohammed Shami bowled Ross Taylor to send the match into extra time. 

Rohit Sharma belted two sixes off the final two deliveries of the super over to guide India home, after New Zealand scored 17 runs in their allotment, bowled by Jasprit Bumrah.

India celebrate their win over New Zealand.
India celebrate their win over New Zealand. Photo credit: Photosport

Earlier, Williamson had almost single-handedly led his side to victory in the regulation 20 overs, blasting 95 from 48 balls, but was dismissed by Mohammed Shami with three balls remaining and two runs needed for victory.

The win gives India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. 

"​'Super overs' certainly haven't been our friend," said Willaimson. "But I think, if we're being brutally honest, we would have liked to have perhaps got across the line before requiring a win in the super over."

New Zealand has now lost six of the seven super-over matches they've contested. Their lone win came in a T20 against Australia in 2010. 

When asked about yet another disappointing outing in the super over, Williamson said jokingly: "My opinion, we shouldn't have them.

"It is what it is. It's good fun, isn't it? 

"It's a full house at midnight or whatever time it is. That's pretty cool, it's good entertainment. 

"I'm probably not the best person to ask, because we came second in the super over tonight, like a few other times. Not ideal, but I guess if people enjoyed that to decide the match, then that's fun."

Williamson was disappointed that the Blackcaps failed to make the most of their opportunities, after restricting India to 179. 

After losing the toss and being sent into bat, India flew to 89 in the first nine overs, but made only 90 in the last 11. 

By contrast, the Blackcaps managed 72 from the first nine, before scoring 107 in the last 11. 

"I think India had a very good first-innings total on that surface and we knew they'd bowl well on it as well, because it was taking a bit of turn.

"The guys fought back nicely, after the start India got with the bat, and then we were able to build partnerships and take the game deep. 

"It's disappointing to be on the wrong side of the result, after doing a lot of hard work to get so close, but certainly a much-improved effort from the first two games." 

The Blackcaps are now playing for pride and return to action on Friday for the fourth T20 in Wellington. 

Join us for live updates of the fourth Blackcaps v India T20 from 8pm Friday