India Clinches ODI Series in New Zealand After Seven Years
Historic ODI Series Victory for India
The Indian cricket team has made history by winning an ODI series in New Zealand for the first time in seven years. On Sunday, November 15, India triumphed over New Zealand by 22 runs in the fifth and final ODI, securing the series 3-1. Batting first, India scored 209 runs, while New Zealand was bowled out for 187 runs.
This victory also ended New Zealand's streak of 11 consecutive bilateral ODI series wins on home soil. The Indian bowlers excelled in defending a modest total, with Arshdeep Singh taking three wickets and earning the Player of the Match award.
Key Contributions from Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan
After losing the toss and batting first, India had a shaky start. Rohit Sharma managed only 7 runs, and Virat Kohli was dismissed for just 5 runs. Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 18 runs, while captain Shreyas Iyer contributed 22 runs before returning to the pavilion.
However, Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan steadied the innings, both scoring 46 runs. Naman Dheer also chipped in with 22 runs.
In the final overs, Mohammad Siraj added an unbeaten 14 runs, and Arshdeep Singh hit 14 runs off just four balls, including two sixes. India was all out for 209 runs in 42.1 overs.
For New Zealand, Mitchell Santner and Jacob Duffy each took three wickets, while Matthew Fisher claimed two.
Arshdeep Singh's Bowling Heroics
Chasing a target of 210 runs, New Zealand started well but soon faced pressure from the Indian bowlers, who took wickets at regular intervals.
Arshdeep Singh delivered an impressive performance, taking three wickets for 30 runs. Mohammad Siraj and Axar Patel each took two wickets, while Akeeb Nabi and Yash Thakur claimed one wicket each.
Dean Foxcroft was the top scorer for New Zealand with 31 runs, followed by Nick Kelly and Mitchell Santner, who both scored 24 runs. However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled.
New Zealand was bowled out for 187 runs in 48.1 overs, handing India a 22-run victory.
India's First ODI Series Win in New Zealand Since 2019
India last won an ODI series in New Zealand in 2019. Now, in 2026, the team has once again defeated the Kiwis on their home ground to claim the series.
India won the first two matches of the series, while the third ODI was abandoned due to rain. New Zealand made a comeback in the fourth match, defeating India by 244 runs. However, in the fifth and final match, India showcased a stellar performance to clinch the series 3-1.
Scorecard of the Fifth ODI between India and New Zealand
India: 209 runs (42.1 overs)
- Axar Patel: 46 runs
- Ishan Kishan: 46 runs
- Shreyas Iyer: 22 runs
- Naman Dheer: 22 runs
- Arshdeep Singh: 14 runs
New Zealand Bowling:
- Mitchell Santner: 3 wickets
- Jacob Duffy: 3 wickets
- Matthew Fisher: 2 wickets
New Zealand: 187 runs (48.1 overs)
- Dean Foxcroft: 31 runs
- Nick Kelly: 24 runs
- Mitchell Santner: 24 runs
India Bowling:
- Arshdeep Singh: 3 wickets
- Mohammad Siraj: 2 wickets
- Axar Patel: 2 wickets
- Akeeb Nabi: 1 wicket
- Yash Thakur: 1 wicket
Result: India defeated New Zealand by 22 runs and won the ODI series 3-1, with Arshdeep Singh named Player of the Match.