India Clinches ODI Series Against New Zealand with Thrilling 22-Run Victory

In a gripping finale, India emerged victorious against New Zealand by 22 runs in the fifth ODI, securing the series win. Head coach Gautam Gambhir praised the bowlers for their disciplined performance, which led to New Zealand's dismissal for 187 runs. Despite a challenging batting display, key contributions from Ishan Kishan and Axar Patel helped set a competitive target. This victory marks India's third ODI series win in New Zealand, showcasing their resilience and skill on foreign soil. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the match highlights and standout performances.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 15, 2026, 23:39 IST

India's Memorable Series Win

Tauranga [New Zealand], November 15: Following a hard-fought 22-run victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final ODI, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir praised the team, particularly the bowlers, for their crucial role in securing a remarkable series win on New Zealand soil.

After the match at Bay Oval on Sunday, Gambhir took to Instagram to share a celebratory image of the team with the trophy, stating, “Bowlers win you series! Proud of our boys.”

This victory marked India’s third ODI series win in New Zealand, adding to their previous triumphs in 2009 and the 2018-19 season.

Chasing a modest target of 210, the Indian bowlers showcased a disciplined performance, dismissing New Zealand for 187 in 48.1 overs, thus sealing the match with a 22-run margin.

Leading the bowling attack, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh recorded impressive figures of 3/30, while Axar Patel and Mohammed Siraj each took two wickets. Auqib Nabi, Yash Thakur, and Naman Dhir contributed with one wicket each.

Throughout the chase, New Zealand faced constant pressure from the Indian bowlers, who effectively broke partnerships and stifled the hosts' momentum.

Dean Foxcroft was the top scorer for New Zealand with 31 runs, followed by Mitchell Santner with 24. However, Arshdeep’s key breakthroughs and Axar’s dismissal of the last batter ensured India’s victory.

Earlier in the match, India struggled with the bat against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack after being put in to bat first. The visitors were bowled out for 209 in 42.1 overs, with Ishan Kishan and Axar Patel as the standout performers, each scoring 46 runs.

Kishan's innings included three fours and two sixes off 58 balls, while Axar’s knock of 46 came from 55 balls, featuring five boundaries and a six. Shreyas Iyer added 22 runs from 26 balls, and Naman Dhir contributed a quick 31 off just 22 deliveries.

India faced early challenges as Rohit Sharma (7), Virat Kohli (5), and Ruturaj Gaikwad (18) fell cheaply, leaving the team in a precarious position at 34/3.

Axar and Iyer worked to stabilize the innings, but after Axar joined Kishan for a vital partnership, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner’s three-wicket haul and Jacob Duffy’s three wickets curtailed India’s scoring potential.

Duffy ended with figures of 3/60, while Santner took 3/47 and Matthew Fisher claimed 2/28.

Despite being limited to 209 runs, India’s bowlers rose to the occasion, delivering a spirited performance that secured a memorable series victory away from home.