Mount Maunganui, November 2026 : India's fast bowlers delivered a superb performance to defend a modest total of 209 runs and defeat New Zealand by 22 runs in the fifth and final ODI at Bay Oval on Sunday. The victory helped India clinch the five-match series 3-1 and handed New Zealand their first home bilateral ODI series defeat in seven years.
The triumph also marked India's first ODI series victory on foreign soil during Gautam Gambhir's tenure as head coach. Arshdeep Singh led the bowling attack with an impressive three-wicket haul, while Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each. Aqib Nabi, debutant Yash Thakur and Naman Dhir also contributed with a wicket apiece.
New Zealand were bowled out for 187 in 48.1 overs while chasing 210. India's disciplined bowling performance made up for a below-par batting display in which senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed to reach double figures.
Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan top-scored for India with 46 runs each. However, the crucial contribution came from the final-wicket partnership between Siraj and Arshdeep, who added 28 runs to take India to 209 and provide their bowlers with a competitive target.
Arshdeep Singh, Siraj Lead India's Bowling Fightback
New Zealand began their chase with three boundaries but Siraj, playing his first match of the series, provided India with an early breakthrough in the sixth over. He dismissed Seifert, who attempted an attacking shot but was caught at mid-on.
Aqib Nabi maintained pressure on the New Zealand batters and bowled a maiden over in the ninth over. Nick Kelly managed to score runs against some loose deliveries from Siraj, but Arshdeep soon turned the match in India's favour with two important wickets.
He first removed Will Young, who scored 22 runs. Ruturaj Gaikwad produced an outstanding catch at deep backward square leg, sliding forward and completing the effort with his elbows close to the ground.
Arshdeep then dismissed Nick Kelly for 24, as the ball took an edge off the batter's bat and crashed into the stumps.
Siraj added to New Zealand's troubles by uprooting Finn Allen's off-stump, leaving the hosts struggling at 83 for four.
India Recover After Dropped Catches
India missed two opportunities during the middle overs. Virat Kohli dropped a relatively straightforward catch at second slip off Foxcroft, while debutant Yash Thakur failed to hold on to a return catch offered by Michael Bracewell.
However, Nabi eventually dismissed Bracewell for 19, with the batter caught at deep square leg while attempting to play a pull shot against a short delivery.
Thakur made an immediate impact on the following ball by claiming his maiden ODI wicket. He dismissed Dean Foxcroft, who had scored 31, leaving New Zealand at 119 for six.
The debutant had a mixed outing with the ball. His foot struck the stumps three times during his bowling spell, resulting in no-balls, but he finished with figures of one for 38.
Santner's Resistance Ends as India Close in on Victory
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner attempted to keep the chase alive with some attacking shots. However, his innings of 24 ended when his slog-sweep towards deep mid-wicket resulted in a catch.
Arshdeep then dismissed Kristian Clarke after the batter edged the delivery into the hands of wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan.
Axar Patel completed the job by getting Jacob Duffy caught at long-on before dismissing Blair Tickner through a stumping for 14. New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 187 in 48.1 overs, giving India a memorable 22-run victory.
Captain Shreyas Iyer's decision to back his fast bowlers and use them effectively proved decisive. Their disciplined performance ensured that India's modest batting total was enough to secure the series.
India vs New Zealand 5th ODI: Full Scorecard
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| India | 209 all out in 42.1 overs |
| New Zealand | 187 all out in 48.1 overs |
| Result | India won by 22 runs |
| Series result | India won 3-1 |
India Batting Highlights
| Batter | Runs |
|---|---|
| Axar Patel | 46 |
| Ishan Kishan | 46 |
New Zealand Bowling Highlights
| Bowler | Figures |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Santner | 3/47 |
| Jacob Duffy | 3/60 |
New Zealand Batting Highlights
| Batter | Runs |
|---|---|
| Dean Foxcroft | 31 |
| Mitchell Santner | 24 |
India Bowling Highlights
| Bowler | Figures |
|---|---|
| Arshdeep Singh | 3/30 |
| Axar Patel | 2/28 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 2 wickets |
| Aqib Nabi | 1 wicket |
| Yash Thakur | 1 wicket |
| Naman Dhir | 1 wicket |
India's victory capped a successful series campaign and underlined the effectiveness of its bowling attack under pressure. The 3-1 series win also ended New Zealand's seven-year run without a home bilateral ODI series defeat.
