India Clinches ODI Series Against New Zealand
Mount Maunganui, November 15: India defeated New Zealand by 22 runs in the fifth and final ODI on Sunday. The low-scoring match showcased the dominance of bowlers. Batting first, India managed to score only 209 runs, losing all wickets in 42.1 overs. Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan were the top scorers for India. In response, New Zealand’s batsmen struggled to score runs. Led by Arshdeep Singh, the Indian pace attack delivered an impressive performance, restricting New Zealand to just 187 runs, all out in 48.1 overs. With this victory, India won the five-match ODI series 3-1.
India Wins ODI Series in New Zealand for the Third Time
India has now won an ODI series on New Zealand soil for the third time. The first instance was in the 2008-09 season, where India won the five-match series 3-1. In the 2018-19 series, India claimed a 4-1 victory. By winning the fifth ODI on Sunday, India secured the five-match ODI series 3-1.
Poor Performance from Indian Batsmen
Expectations were high for the team led by Shreyas Iyer to perform better after being bowled out for just 89 runs in the fourth ODI two days prior. A good start was crucial, but Rohit Sharma struggled again, getting out for just seven runs. His shot off Matthew Fisher was caught by Dean Foxcroft at short mid-wicket. Virat Kohli (5) followed soon after, edging a delivery from Fisher to wicketkeeper Tim Seifert, who took a stunning diving catch.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (18) also couldn’t last long. He attempted to drive Jacob Duffy’s delivery but ended up edging it to Seifert. India’s score fell to 34 runs for three wickets. If Foxcroft hadn’t dropped Axar Patel’s catch off Duffy, the score could have been even worse. Shreyas (22) and Axar (46) formed a partnership of 52 runs for the fourth wicket, raising hopes for a comeback, but Blair Tickner broke this partnership as Shreyas fell to another short-pitched delivery. Michael Bracewell ensured Axar didn’t reach his half-century, catching him off his own bowling.
Ishan Kishan (46) and Naman Dhir (22) attempted to revive the innings with a 39-run partnership for the sixth wicket, hitting two sixes off Duffy in one over. However, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner (3 wickets for 47 runs) showcased his skills by dismissing Dhir, while Kishan lost his wicket trying to accelerate the scoring. Thanks to some powerful shots from Arshdeep Singh (14) and Mohammed Siraj (not out 14), India managed to cross the 200-run mark.