New Delhi, July 27: Manoj Tewari’s unbeaten half-century went in vain as Indians paid the price for a top-order collapse, losing their second Twenty20 match of the Emerging Players Tournament against New Zealand XI by five wickets in Brisbane on Monday.

Batting first, India scored 154/5 in the allotted 20 overs with Tewari top-scoring. The Bengal batsman and Abhishek Nayar (45), batting at number five and six respectively, were instrumental in taking India’s score past 150 after the top-order flopped against fast bowler Hamish Bennett (3/20). Naman Ojha also chipped in with a 15-ball unbeaten 26. The Kiwis racked up 156/5 with Colin de Grandhomme top-scoring with 60.

Scores: India XI 154/5 (Manoj Tewari 51, Abhishek Nayar 45; Hamish Bennett 3/20) lost to New Zealand XI 156/5 (Colin de Grandhomme 60; R. Ashwin 3/22)