Summary
- India held their nerve in a closely contested fifth and final ODI to defeat New Zealand by 22 runs on Sunday, securing a 3-1 series triumph at Mount Maunganui.
- The defeat also marked New Zealand’s first home ODI series loss in seven years.
- New Zealand responded emphatically in the fourth encounter, bowling India out for just 89 to secure a massive 244-run victory and keep the series alive.
Defending a modest target of 210, India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to dismiss the hosts for 187 in the penultimate over. The defeat also marked New Zealand’s first home ODI series loss in seven years.
Fast bowler Arshdeep Singh spearheaded India’s attack, claiming three wickets for 30 runs in his 10 overs. His timely breakthroughs played a crucial role in preventing New Zealand from building a successful chase.
Arshdeep struck early, removing Will Young for 22 and Nick Kelly for 24 to put the hosts under pressure. Young had scored a century in the fourth ODI, but he could not repeat that performance as India tightened their grip on the contest.
The left-arm pacer returned later to dismiss all-rounder Kristian Clarke for 16, ending New Zealand’s hopes of mounting a late comeback. Dean Foxcroft top-scored for the hosts with 31, but the lack of substantial partnerships proved costly.
India’s bowlers capitalised on favourable conditions and consistently picked up wickets at crucial stages. The hosts struggled to maintain momentum throughout the chase, eventually falling 22 runs short of their target.
Earlier, New Zealand’s bowlers had also made life difficult for the Indian batters. Jacob Duffy and captain Mitchell Santner claimed three wickets each as India were bowled out for 209 in 42.1 overs.
The visitors suffered an early collapse, losing three wickets for just 34 runs. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed to make significant contributions, leaving India in a difficult position.
However, Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan helped stabilise the innings with valuable knocks of 46 runs each. Their contributions provided India with a platform to recover and post a competitive total, which ultimately proved sufficient.
Indian captain Shreyas Iyer praised his team’s ability to adapt to challenging playing conditions throughout the series. He acknowledged that batting had been difficult and credited the bowlers for stepping up when the team needed them most.
New Zealand skipper Santner admitted that his side had initially believed the target was achievable but found the pitch more challenging than expected. He praised India’s pace attack for maintaining pressure, taking wickets during the middle overs and making effective use of short-pitched deliveries.
Santner also revealed that he would undergo an X-ray on his right hand on Monday after being struck while batting. The injury has raised concerns about his availability for the upcoming two-match Test series against India.
India had taken a 2-0 lead after winning the first two rain-affected matches, while the third ODI was abandoned due to rain. New Zealand responded emphatically in the fourth encounter, bowling India out for just 89 to secure a massive 244-run victory and keep the series alive.
However, India’s bowlers delivered when it mattered most in the decisive match, ensuring the visitors finished the tour with a 3-1 ODI series win.
