NZ vs IND 5th ODI: India beat NZ in a thriller by 22 runs to seal series 3-1

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A sensational bowling display from India’s pace and spin attack guided the visitors to a tense 22-run victory over New Zealand in a low-scoring 5th ODI thriller at Bay Oval on Sunday, securing India’s third-ever ODI series win in New Zealand following previous triumphs in 2009 and the 2018-19 tour.

During the chase of 210 runs, openers Tim Seifert and Will Young started carefully for the first two overs before collecting some boundaries against the pace duo of Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh in the next two overs. Siraj drew first blood, getting Seifert caught for 14 in 21 balls, with two fours at mid-on. NZ was 26/1 in 5.3 overs. 

At the end of 10 overs, NZ was 41/1, with Will, the fourth ODI centurion and Nick Kelly unbeaten. With a four off Yash Thakur’s delivery, NZ reached the 50-run mark in 11.2 overs. Indian pacers put a lid on the Kiwis’ run-scoring, with Will giving in to pressure. Will went aerial against Arshdeep Singh to be caught by Ruturaj Gaikwad at deep backward square leg for 42 off 22. NZ was 64/2 in 16.3 overs. 

Dean Foxcroft top-scored for the hosts with 31, while late resistance from Mitchell Santner (24) and Blair Tickner (14) fell short as Axar dismissed Tickner to seal the match in the 49th over.

Earlier, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner (3/47), Jacob Duffy (3/60), and Matthew Fisher (2/28) kept the pressure on India after they were sent in to bat, restricting the tourists to 209 in 42.1 overs. Early setbacks saw openers Rohit Sharma (7) and Virat Kohli (5) depart cheaply alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad (18), leaving India in trouble at 34/3.

Ishan Kishan and Axar Patel lead recovery before collapse

Ishan Kishan (46 off 58) and Axar Patel (46 off 55) steadied the innings with valuable contributions, while captain Shreyas Iyer added 22 off 26 balls. However, regular breakthroughs by the Black Caps bowling unit prevented partnerships from flourishing, preventing India from posting a commanding total.

Despite the late-order resistance and cameos from Arshdeep Singh (14) and Mohammed Siraj (14*), India were bowled out. Ultimately, the disciplined defense spearheaded by Arshdeep and Axar proved sufficient to restrict New Zealand and clinch the hard-fought series finale.

(With input from agencies)

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