By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
India’s bowlers came to the team’s rescue once again as the visitors defeated New Zealand by 22 runs in the fifth and final ODI to clinch the five-match series 3-1 on Sunday at Mount Maunganu.
Defending a modest total of 209, India bowled out the hosts for 187 in 48.1 overs, with left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh leading the attack with an impressive three-wicket haul. Axar Patel also made a significant contribution, picking up two wickets after scoring a valuable 46 runs earlier in the innings.
India’s victory came despite another disappointing batting performance by senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who failed to make significant contributions. Rohit managed just seven runs while Kohli was dismissed for five as India’s top order struggled against the New Zealand bowlers.
With the top order collapsing, Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan provided some resistance, scoring identical 46-run knocks to help India reach a moderate total. India were eventually bowled out for 209 in 42.1 overs.
New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner and Jacob Duffy picked up three wickets each to restrict the visitors.
Chasing 210 for victory, New Zealand appeared to be in the contest but India’s disciplined bowling attack kept striking at regular intervals. Dean Foxcroft top-scored for the hosts with 31 runs, while captain Mitchell Santner contributed 24.
Arshdeep Singh finished with figures of 3 for 30, while Axar Patel claimed 2 for 28. Mohammed Siraj also chipped in with two wickets as New Zealand were dismissed for 187, handing India a hard-fought victory.
The series triumph is particularly significant as it ended New Zealand’s remarkable run of 11 consecutive bilateral ODI series victories at home.
India had also won the preceding five-match T20I series against New Zealand 3-2.