India delivered a decisive performance at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, securing a 22-run victory in the fifth ODI to claim the series 3-1. This result marks a historic milestone, as New Zealand has suffered its first home ODI series defeat since India’s visit in 2019. The visitors overcame an early collapse, slumping to 34-3, to post a competitive total of 209 after losing the toss. Their resilience in the middle overs set the stage for a crucial final over, where the partnership between Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj proved pivotal.
Arshdeep and Siraz’s all-round masterclass ends Kiwis’ 11-match home winning streak
The turning point came in the death overs, with Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj combining for 26 runs in the final wicket. Both bowlers contributed 14 runs each, stabilizing the innings after India lost four wickets for just 23 runs. This tactical shift allowed the visitors to set a challenging target, relying on their pace attack to dismantle the Black Caps’ chase. The low-scoring nature of the game highlighted India’s disciplined approach, contrasting sharply with the 244-run thrashing they suffered in the fourth ODI at the same venue just days earlier.
New Zealand’s bid for a 2-2 series draw collapsed under pressure as India’s pace duo skittled the hosts for 187. Arshdeep Singh claimed 3-30, while Mohammed Siraz added 2-50, effectively ending New Zealand’s impressive streak of 11 consecutive home bilateral ODI series victories. The series defeat does not end the rivalry, as the teams are set to meet in a two-match Test series starting on November 19. This result underscores India’s growing competitiveness in New Zealand, challenging the hosts’ long-standing dominance on home soil.
Source: Sky Sports
