Mount Maunganui: India were bowled out for 209 in 42.1 overs in the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday, putting the hosts in a strong position to level the five-match series.
Axar Patel top-scored with 46 off 55 balls, but his effort was not enough to prevent another Indian batting collapse. India had reached 125 for five when Axar was dismissed, but lost their remaining wickets for just 84 runs.
The innings got off to a poor start as Rohit Sharma fell for seven and Virat Kohli was dismissed for five. Ruturaj Gaikwad managed 18 before departing, leaving India struggling at 34 for three.
Shreyas Iyer made 22 and shared a brief partnership with Axar, but Blair Tickner broke the stand by dismissing the Indian captain. Axar then fell at 125, triggering another slide.
Mitchell Santner led New Zealand's bowling effort with three wickets for 47 runs. The hosts' pace attack also kept India under pressure, preventing the lower order from adding a substantial total.
New Zealand need 210 runs to win the match and level the series 2-2. India, who lead 2-1, will need an effective bowling performance to defend their total.