ODI: India make comeback, beat New Zealand, clinch series

Mount Maunganui: India produced a stunning bowling comeback to defend a modest total of 209 and beat New Zealand by 22 runs in the fifth and final ODI at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on Sunday, sealing the five-match series 3-1.

The hosts, chasing 210, were bowled out for 187 in 48.1 overs after appearing well placed at 64 for one. Arshdeep Singh spearheaded India’s attack with three wickets for 30 runs, breaking New Zealand’s resistance and triggering a collapse. Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each, while Auqib Nabi, debutant Yash Thakur and Naman Dhir took one apiece.

Dean Foxcroft top-scored for New Zealand with 31, while captain Mitchell Santner made 24. The hosts lost wickets at regular intervals after Arshdeep dismissed Will Young and Nick Kelly, leaving the chase under mounting pressure. India’s bowlers prevented the middle order from rebuilding and completed a crucial comeback.

Earlier, India had struggled after being sent in to bat, losing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad cheaply to slip to 34 for three. Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan rescued the innings with 46 runs each. Captain Shreyas Iyer contributed 22, while Naman Dhir added 22. Late cameos from Arshdeep and Siraj helped India cross 200 before being dismissed in 42.1 overs.

Mitchell Santner and Jacob Duffy took three wickets each for New Zealand, with Matthew Fisher claiming two.

The victory was a strong response to India’s crushing 244-run defeat in the fourth ODI. Having already won the preceding T20I series 3-2, India now complete a successful limited-overs tour with another series triumph.