Mount Maunganui (New Zealand): India pulled off a remarkable 22-run victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final ODI on Sunday, successfully defending a modest total of 209 to clinch the five-match series 3-1. Arshdeep Singh led the bowling effort with three wickets as the visitors bowled out the hosts for 187 in 48.1 overs at the Bay Oval.

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The victory also ended New Zealand's 11-series unbeaten streak in home bilateral ODI cricket. India had earlier won the five-match T20I series against the Kiwis 3-2.

Defending 210, India put New Zealand under pressure with regular wickets after Mohammed Siraj provided an early breakthrough by dismissing Tim Seifert for 14. Will Young (22) and Nick Kelly (24) attempted to steady the innings, but Arshdeep struck twice to remove both batters and leave the hosts struggling.
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Siraj then dismissed Finn Allen for one, further denting New Zealand's chase. Dean Foxcroft, who top-scored with 31, and Michael Bracewell (19) attempted to rebuild the innings before Auqib Nabi broke their partnership by sending Bracewell back to the pavilion.

Debutant Yash Thakur subsequently dismissed Foxcroft, while Arshdeep and the other Indian bowlers continued to restrict the hosts. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner managed 24, but could not take his team across the finish line.

Arshdeep finished with figures of 3/30, while Siraj also played a crucial role in the successful defence. The Indian bowlers maintained pressure throughout the chase despite having only a modest total to defend.

Earlier in the same match, India struggled with the bat after New Zealand elected to bowl first. The visitors were bowled out for 209 in 42.1 overs, with Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan top-scoring with 46 runs each.

Both batters scored 46 runs, but neither could convert the start into a half-century. Naman Dhir added 22, while Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh chipped in with 14 runs each towards the end of the innings.
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New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner and Jacob Duffy claimed three wickets apiece. Duffy finished with figures of 3/60, while Santner took 3/47 to restrict India to a below-par total.

However, India's bowlers made sure the batting struggles did not cost the team the series, producing a disciplined performance to secure a memorable victory.