India Beat New Zealand by 22 Runs to Clinch ODI Series
India defeated New Zealand by 22 runs in the fifth and final ODI at Mount Maunganui on Sunday to clinch the four-match series 3-1. A disciplined bowling performance, led by pacers Mohammad Siraj and Arshdeep Singh, helped India defend a modest total of 209 after their batting line-up struggled against the hosts.
The victory also ended New Zealand’s impressive run of 11 consecutive bilateral series wins on home soil. India had earlier won the preceding T20I series 3-2, completing a successful white-ball campaign in New Zealand.
Siraj and Arshdeep Lead Bowling Fightback
Chasing 210, New Zealand were bowled out for 187. Arshdeep Singh claimed three wickets for 30 runs, while Mohammad Siraj picked up two wickets for 50 runs.
The Indian pacers struck early, dismissing openers Tim Seifert and Will Young. Arshdeep then removed Nick Kelly, while Siraj bowled Finn Allen to leave New Zealand struggling at 83 for four.
Dean Foxcroft and Michael Bracewell attempted to revive the chase with a 38-run partnership. However, India struck back by dismissing both batters in quick succession. Skipper Mitchell Santner’s dismissal further weakened the hosts’ hopes of victory.
Indian Batters Struggle Against New Zealand
Earlier, India were bowled out for 209. Matthew Fisher provided the hosts with an early breakthrough by dismissing Rohit Sharma. Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad also departed cheaply as India slipped to 34 for three.
Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel attempted to stabilise the innings with a 52-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Axar scored 46, while Iyer failed to convert his start into a substantial contribution.
Kishan and Lower Order Add Crucial Runs
Ishan Kishan and Naman Dhir added 39 runs for the sixth wicket. Both scored 46 and 22 runs respectively, but New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner’s three-wicket haul restricted India’s scoring.
Late contributions from Arshdeep Singh and Siraj helped India cross the 200-run mark, eventually proving decisive in securing the series victory.
