NZ vs IND 5th ODI: Ind struggling at 125/5 after 25 overs; Axar out on 46

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India are struggling at 125 runs for the loss of 5 wickets at the midway stage of their innings in the fifth and final ODI of the series. India currently lead the series 2-1 going into the final match.

Having put in to bat first, the Indian top order struggled again, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad all departing early. Axar Patel steadied the innings with 46 runs, while skipper Shreyas Iyer scored 22 before being dismissed.

For NZ, Matthew Fisher starred with two wickets, while Michael Bracewell, Jacob Duffy and Blair Tickner chipped in with one wicket each.

Earlier, after winning the toss, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner decided to field first. With some showers expected later in the day, Santner was happy to bowl first and chase down India’s total.

“I am not sure of that, didn’t expect to win. We’re going to bowl. The pitch still looks all right, and there are supposed to be a few showers later on, possibly with a bit of dew as well, so we’ll see how it goes. [On the previous day’s break] It was pretty relaxed. With the late finishes and everything, it was a good day to recover and get ready for another big game today.” Santner said.

Indian captain Shreyas Iyer admitted he was looking to bowl first as well but looked positively at setting a total in the first innings.

“We were also waiting for this opportunity for the first time, but we saw how the ball was staying pretty straight when they were batting and wasn’t seaming that much. So, that’s a good sign and gives us confidence about batting first as well. [On the previous day’s break] It was crucial for us to recover as much as possible, especially after fielding for 50 overs and getting out a bit early, which was quite disappointing. But that also reflected a bit on how we would be going today, so we’re in high spirits.” Iyer said.

Playing XI for both teams:

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer(c), Ishan Kishan(w), Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur

New Zealand (Playing XI): Will Young, Tim Seifert(w), Nick Kelly, Dean Foxcroft, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Kristian Clarke, Blair Tickner, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher

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