Sports/Alive News: India defeated New Zealand by 22 runs in the fifth ODI at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday to clinch the five-match series 3-1. The victory marks India’s first ODI series win in New Zealand since 2019.
Batting first, India were bowled out for 209 in 42.1 overs. In reply, New Zealand managed 187 in 48.1 overs as the Indian bowlers produced a disciplined performance. Arshdeep Singh was named Player of the Match for his three-wicket haul, while Gurnoor Brar received the Player of the Series award after taking nine wickets in three matches.
Indian batters struggle against New Zealand attack
India got off to a poor start, losing Rohit Sharma for seven and Virat Kohli for five, with Matthew Fisher dismissing both. Ruturaj Gaikwad also departed for 18.
Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel attempted to stabilise the innings with a 52-run partnership before Iyer was dismissed for 22. Axar contributed 46 runs, while Ishan Kishan also scored 46. Naman Dhir added 22 runs. Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj chipped in with 14 runs each as India were bowled out for 209.
For New Zealand, Mitchell Santner and Jacob Duffy claimed three wickets each, while Fisher picked up two.
Arshdeep leads bowling attack
Chasing 210, New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals. Will Young scored 22 and Tim Seifert made 14 before the Indian bowlers broke their opening partnership.
Arshdeep, Siraj and Axar kept the pressure on the hosts. Despite partnerships involving Michael Bracewell, Dean Foxcroft and Mitchell Santner, New Zealand failed to recover.
Arshdeep finished with figures of 3/30, while Axar and Siraj took two wickets each to seal India’s 22-run victory.
