India defeated New Zealand by 22 runs in the fifth and final ODI at Mount Maunganui to clinch the five-match series 3-1. Chasing a target of 210 runs, New Zealand were bowled out for 187.
India won the first two matches of the series, while the third ODI was abandoned due to rain. New Zealand bounced back in the fourth match with a convincing victory, but India sealed the series in the final game.
With this win, India have clinched an ODI series in New Zealand after seven years. The team had last achieved the feat in 2019, when it won the series 4-1.
India Bowled Out for 209
Batting first, India were all out for 209 in 42.1 overs, setting New Zealand a target of 210 runs.
Senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed to make an impact, scoring just seven and five runs, respectively. Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj scored 14 runs each, more than both senior batters.
Among the other Indian batters, Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 18, while Shreyas Iyer and Naman Dhir contributed 22 runs each.
Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan were India’s top scorers, with both making 46 runs. Axar struck five fours and a six, while Ishan hit three fours and two sixes.
For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy and captain Mitchell Santner claimed three wickets each. Matthew Fisher picked up two wickets, while Blair Tickner and Michael Bracewell took one wicket apiece.
India’s Playing XI
Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Aaqib Nabi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj and Yash Thakur.
New Zealand’s Playing XI
Will Young, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Dean Foxcroft, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Christian Clarke, Blair Tickner, Jacob Duffy and Matthew Fisher.