Arshdeep Singh Leads India to 22-Run Victory Over New Zealand in Fifth ODI

MUMBAI: (Sports Desk) – India defeated New Zealand by 22 runs in the fifth and final One-Day International on Sunday to clinch the series 3-1, with paceman Arshdeep Singh delivering an impressive bowling performance to secure the victory.

Chasing a target of 210 to level the series, New Zealand struggled to maintain momentum and were bowled out for 187 in the penultimate over. The defeat marked their first home ODI series loss in seven years.

India’s pace attack capitalised on favourable conditions in Mount Maunganui, with Arshdeep leading the effort by taking three wickets for 30 runs in his 10 overs. He finished the low-scoring series with eight wickets.

The 27-year-old struck early, dismissing Will Young, who had scored a century in the fourth ODI, for 22 and Nick Kelly for 24 to put New Zealand under pressure.

Arshdeep returned later to remove all-rounder Kristian Clarke for 16, ending New Zealand’s hopes of a successful chase. Dean Foxcroft top-scored for the hosts with 31 runs, but their batting line-up failed to build the partnerships needed to reach the target.

Earlier, New Zealand bowlers Jacob Duffy and Mitchell Santner claimed three wickets each as India were dismissed for 209 in 42.1 overs.

India had slipped to 34-3 after losing star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli cheaply. However, Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan scored 46 runs each to help their side recover and post a competitive total.

Batting proved challenging throughout the series, with bowlers largely dominating proceedings.

India had taken a 2-0 lead by winning the first two rain-affected matches, while the third ODI was abandoned due to rain. New Zealand bounced back strongly in the fourth match on Friday, dismissing India for just 89 runs before securing a massive 244-run victory.

Indian captain Shreyas Iyer praised his team’s ability to adapt to changing weather and pitch conditions in New Zealand, following their 3-2 victory in the preceding T20 series.

“We’ve been faced with a lot of challenges. Today we had belief, even though we didn’t get that many runs,” Iyer said.

He added that the series had been difficult for batters and praised the bowlers for delivering when it mattered most.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said his team had initially believed the target was achievable but acknowledged that the pitch played differently than expected.

He praised India’s pace attack for consistently taking wickets during the middle overs and highlighted Arshdeep’s timely return to the attack.

Santner also revealed that he would undergo an X-ray on his right hand on Monday after being struck while batting, raising doubts over his availability for the upcoming two-match Test series.

The first Test between the two sides is scheduled to begin in Wellington on Thursday.