Arshdeep, Siraj lead India to memorable series triumph (Img: BCCI)
Mount Maunganui: India's fast bowlers delivered a remarkable performance to defend a modest total of 209 and defeat New Zealand by 22 runs in the fifth and final ODI at Bay Oval on Sunday. The victory sealed the series 3-1, handing New Zealand their first home ODI series defeat since 2019. It was also India's first overseas ODI series triumph under head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Arshdeep Singh spearheaded the bowling attack with figures of 3/30, maintaining a disciplined line and exploiting seam movement. Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each, while Auqib Nabi, Naman Dhir and debutant Yash Thakur picked up one apiece. New Zealand were eventually dismissed for 187 in 48.1 overs.
Captain Shreyas Iyer made effective use of his bowling resources as the visitors defended their total despite a shaky batting performance. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli departed cheaply, while Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan contributed 46 runs each. The 28-run partnership between the last pair, Siraj and Arshdeep, proved crucial.
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New Zealand started positively but lost Seifert for 14 after Siraj struck in the sixth over. Arshdeep then removed Will Young (22) and Nick Kelly (24), putting the hosts under pressure. Siraj further dented their chase by bowling Finn Allen.
India missed two catching opportunities during the middle overs, but Nabi and Thakur provided important breakthroughs. Thakur dismissed Dean Foxcroft for 31, while Nabi accounted for Michael Bracewell, who scored 19.
Mitchell Santner kept New Zealand's hopes alive with 24 before falling to a catch at deep mid-wicket. Arshdeep subsequently dismissed Kristian Clarke, leaving Axar to complete the job. He removed Jacob Duffy and had Blair Tickner stumped for 14, sealing an impressive series victory.
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The series victory was particularly significant after India's disastrous performance in the fourth ODI. Matt Henry's sensational six-wicket haul had helped New Zealand dismiss the visitors for just 89 runs, handing the hosts a massive 244-run victory.
That defeat had raised concerns about India's batting, with head coach Gautam Gambhir stressing the importance of learning from such collapses. With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, the challenging conditions in New Zealand offer valuable preparation for the Indian team.
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Gambhir had also highlighted the difficulty of batting during the first 10 overs in these conditions.
New Zealand pacers Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson were unavailable for the series finale as they joined preparations for the upcoming Test assignments. India also missed Gurnoor Brar, who had joined the Test squad. However, the visitors made the most of their available bowling resources to finish the series on a winning note.
