India completes 3-1 ODI series win over New Zealand with fifth match victory
India defeated New Zealand by 22 runs in the final ODI, winning the series 3-1.
MOUNT MAUNGANUI, Nov 15: India wrapped up their ODI series against New Zealand with a 22-run victory in the fifth match, held at Mount Maunganui, winning the series 3-1. The team defended a modest total of 209 runs.
Mohammed Siraj made an early impact, dismissing Seifert for 14 runs when New Zealand was at 26. The Indian bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings, with Arshdeep Singh taking three wickets for 30 runs in his 10 overs. Axar Patel and Siraj also contributed with key wickets, leading to New Zealand being bowled out for 187.
India’s batting struggled again, with only Axar and Ishan Kishan scoring 46 runs each. Veteran players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had disappointing outings, scoring 7 and 5 runs respectively, as they fell to Matthew Fisher’s bowling.
Arshdeep spoke about the team’s effort, stating, “I feel like we kept coming back. We were very disciplined with our areas.” India’s bowlers consistently executed their lengths, proving decisive in the series.
The series saw India winning the first two ODIs, while the third match was abandoned due to rain and New Zealand claimed a record victory in the fourth ODI. Indian bowlers excelled, with Gurnoor Brar being named Player of the Series for his consistent performances.
Both teams will shift focus to the Test leg of the tour, with the first Test scheduled to start on November 19 in Wellington.