IND vs NZ, 5th ODI: India humble New Zealand, end seven-year home dominance in ODIs

Mount Maunganui, Nov 15: With only 209 runs to defend, India appeared to be staring at an uphill battle. Instead, the visitors scripted a memorable chapter in New Zealand, as their fast bowlers dismantled the home side's batting line-up to clinch a 22-run victory in the series decider.

The triumph secured a 3-1 series win and inflicted New Zealand's first home ODI series defeat in seven years.

After their batting unit struggled for consistency, India's bowlers stepped up when it mattered most. Leading the charge was Arshdeep Singh, whose accuracy and ability to generate movement off the pitch earned him figures of 3-30.

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Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel chipped in with two wickets apiece, while Auqib Nabi, Naman Dhir and debutant Yash Thakur claimed one each as New Zealand were dismissed for 187 in 48.1 overs.

The tourists had earlier posted 209 before being bowled out in 42.1 overs. Despite the early departures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for single-digit scores, India found resistance through Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan, who both scored 46.

A valuable 26-run last-wicket partnership between Siraj and Arshdeep ultimately proved decisive in a low-scoring contest.

New Zealand began their chase positively, but Siraj provided the breakthrough by dismissing Tim Seifert for 14. Arshdeep then struck twice in quick succession, removing Will Young for 22 and Nick Kelly for 24 to place the hosts under pressure. Siraj further tightened India's grip by clean bowling Finn Allen, reducing New Zealand to 83/4.

Although India missed a couple of chances in the field, Nabi ensured the momentum did not slip away, dismissing Michael Bracewell for 19. Debutant Yash Thakur made an immediate impact by claiming his maiden ODI wicket, sending Dean Foxcroft back for 31 and leaving New Zealand reeling at 119/6.

Mitchell Santner attempted to revive the chase with a brisk 24, but India's bowlers maintained control. Arshdeep dismissed Kristian Clarke, while Axar wrapped up the innings by removing Jacob Duffy and Blair Tickner to secure the victory.

Earlier, New Zealand's bowlers had dominated proceedings. Jacob Duffy and captain Santner picked up three wickets each to restrict India. Matthew Fisher struck twice, removing Rohit Sharma for 7 and Kohli for 5 during a difficult top-order collapse.

Ruturaj Gaikwad fell for 18 before Axar Patel and captain Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings with a 52-run partnership. Iyer contributed 22 before falling to Blair Tickner, while Axar's fighting 46 ended at the hands of Bracewell.

Naman Dhir added 22 and shared a useful stand with Kishan, who anchored the lower order with a patient 46 off 58 balls. Once Kishan departed, India's innings seemed set to end below 200. However, Arshdeep struck two sixes off Duffy, while Siraj also cleared the ropes, helping India push past the 200-run mark.

Those late runs proved invaluable. Backed by a clinical bowling effort and sharp captaincy from Shreyas Iyer, India successfully defended the total to complete a landmark series victory on New Zealand soil.

Brief Scores: India 209 in 42.1 overs (Axar Patel 46, Ishan Kishan 46; Mitchell Santner 3-47, Jacob Duffy 3-60) beat New Zealand 187 all out in 48.1 overs (Dean Foxcroft 31, Mitchell Santner 24; Arshdeep Singh 3-30, Axar Patel 2-28) by 22 runs.

(IANS)