Mount Maunganui, Nov 15 (KNS): India produced a disciplined bowling performance to defeat New Zealand by 22 runs in the fifth and final One-Day International at Bay Oval on Sunday, sealing the five-match series 3-1 despite another disappointing batting display.

Defending a modest total of 209, India's pace attack, led by Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj, restricted New Zealand to 187 in 48.1 overs to secure a hard-fought victory.

Arshdeep returned figures of 3 for 30, while Siraj claimed two wickets for 50 runs. Axar Patel also picked up two wickets as India successfully defended a low total on a surface that became increasingly difficult for batting under lights.

The victory marked India's first bilateral ODI series triumph in New Zealand since 2019 and ended the hosts' unbeaten run of 11 consecutive home bilateral ODI series. 

New Zealand began their chase cautiously but lost wickets at regular intervals after the Indian seamers found movement with the ball.

Siraj provided the first breakthrough by dismissing Tim Seifert, while Arshdeep removed Will Young following a diving catch by Ruturaj Gaikwad.

The hosts slipped to 83 for four after Siraj bowled Finn Allen for one, putting India firmly back in contention.

Dean Foxcroft attempted to rebuild the innings, but debutant Yash Thakur dismissed him for 31 to claim his maiden ODI wicket. New Zealand were reduced to 119 for six, leaving the lower order with a difficult task.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Captain Mitchell Santner kept the chase alive with 24 runs, but his dismissal off Naman Dhir further weakened New Zealand's chances.

Arshdeep returned to dismiss Kristian Clarke before Axar Patel removed Jacob Duffy and Blair Tickner to complete India's victory.

Earlier, India struggled after being asked to bat first by New Zealand captain Santner.

Rohit Sharma was dismissed for seven and Virat Kohli managed just five, while Ruturaj Gaikwad also departed early as India slipped to 34 for three.

Axar Patel and captain Shreyas Iyer attempted to repair the innings with a half-century partnership before Iyer fell to Blair Tickner.

Axar scored 46, while Ishan Kishan contributed an equally important 46 to help India recover from the early collapse.

However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, preventing India from building a substantial total.

Jacob Duffy claimed three wickets for 60 runs, while Matthew Fisher took two for 28.

Late hitting by Arshdeep and Siraj pushed India's total past 200 before the visitors were bowled out in 42.1 overs.

Following the victory, India captain Shreyas Iyer praised the bowling unit for delivering under pressure despite the team's batting difficulties.

Arshdeep was named Player of the Match for his three-wicket haul and valuable late runs, while Gurnoor Brar received the Player of the Series award for taking nine wickets.(KNS)