India's batting wobbled again at Mount Maunganui, yet the bowlers turned a modest 209 into a 22-run win in the fifth and final ODI. The result sealed the five-match series 3-1 against New Zealand, though the way it was achieved leaves questions for the top order.
A total that needed rescuing
India were bowled out for 209, leaving New Zealand a target of 210. It was never a score that allowed the bowlers any margin for error.
The early order did not give them a platform. Rohit Sharma scored 7 and Virat Kohli 5, and Matthew Fisher dismissed both. Ruturaj Gaikwad made 18. Shreyas Iyer, India's stand-in ODI captain, was dismissed to a short ball before India reached 100, which left the innings in a fragile position.
The recovery came from lower down. Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan each scored 46, lifting India to a total that could at least be contested. Mitchell Santner was the best of New Zealand's bowlers with 3/47, while Michael Bracewell took 1/35.
Bowlers carry the defence
Arshdeep Singh set the tone with 3 wickets for 30 runs from his 10 overs, an economical spell in a chase of only 210. Mohammed Siraj removed Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, two wickets that mattered for India's hold on the contest.
Axar Patel then added to his batting contribution by finishing the defence. He dismissed Jacob Duffy and Blair Tickner, ending New Zealand's chase 22 runs short.
Series win, but batting concerns remain
The series scoreline looks comfortable, but the route was uneven. India had already won the T20I leg 3-2. In the ODIs, the third match was washed out and New Zealand won the fourth by 244 runs, a heavy defeat that makes the narrow defence in the decider more notable.
The cricketing picture is clear from the numbers: with Rohit, Kohli, Gaikwad and Iyer all unable to build a substantial innings, India relied on Axar and Kishan for repairs and on the bowlers to finish the job. A series win does not remove that batting concern, and a defence of 209 leaves little room for the top order to be so dependent on the lower order and bowlers.
The focus now moves to the format change. The first Test begins on 19 November in Wellington, and it is a separate challenge from these ODI results.
Match report: ICC.
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