TAURANGA: India beat New Zealand by 22 runs in the fifth and final ODI on Sunday to clinch the series 3-1. Arshdeep Singh led the bowling attack with figures of 3/30 as India successfully defended a target of 210.
Chasing 210, New Zealand were bowled out for 187 in 48.1 overs. Dean Foxcroft top-scored with 31, but regular wickets prevented the hosts from building a match-winning partnership.
India had earlier been bowled out for 209 in 42.1 overs after another disappointing batting performance. Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan scored 46 runs each to give the innings some stability.
New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner and Jacob Duffy picked up three wickets each, returning figures of 3/47 and 3/60 respectively.
India’s bowlers then kept the pressure on the hosts. Arshdeep’s three wickets played a key role in restricting New Zealand to 187 and securing the series victory.
The defeat also ended New Zealand’s 11-series unbeaten streak at home.
India had earlier won the five-match T20I series against New Zealand 3-2.
Brief scores
India 209 in 42.1 overs (Axar Patel 46, Ishan Kishan 46; Mitchell Santner 3/47, Jacob Duffy 3/60) beat New Zealand 187 in 48.1 overs (Dean Foxcroft 31; Arshdeep Singh 3/30) by 22 runs.