India Faces Another Batting Collapse in Decisive ODI Against New Zealand

India's Struggles Continue in Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui: India encountered yet another batting failure, getting dismissed for a disappointing total of 209 in the crucial fifth ODI against New Zealand on Sunday.

Although India held a 2-1 advantage in the series, New Zealand's bowlers executed their plans flawlessly, putting immense pressure on the Indian batsmen.

After a dismal performance in the previous ODI, where they were bowled out for just 89, the Shreyas Iyer-led team was expected to perform better.

A solid opening partnership was essential, but Matthew Fisher quickly dashed those hopes by dismissing Rohit Sharma early in the innings.

Rohit continued his struggle in this series, as his weak shot off Fisher was caught by Dean Foxcroft at short mid-wicket.

Virat Kohli followed suit shortly after, unluckily getting caught by diving wicketkeeper Tim Seifert while attempting to cut a wide delivery from Fisher.

Ruturaj Gaikwad also fell quickly, edging a drive off Jacob Duffy to Seifert.

India found themselves in a precarious position at 34 for three, and it could have been worse had Foxcroft held onto a catch from Axar Patel.

Shreyas and Axar (46) managed to stabilize the innings with a 52-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

However, Blair Tickner broke the partnership, dismissing Shreyas with a short ball.

Michael Bracewell soon ended Axar's resistance, as the left-hander hit a pull straight to Will Young.

Ishan Kishan (46) and Naman Dhir (22) attempted to revive the innings with a 39-run partnership for the sixth wicket, but Kiwis captain Mitchell Santner (3/47) intervened.

Santner dismissed Dhir, opening the door for India's lower order.

Kishan eventually fell to Duffy while trying to accelerate the scoring.

India was in danger of failing to reach 200 runs, but some late hitting from Arshdeep Singh and Mohammad Siraj pushed the total past that mark.

Despite this, India will be left frustrated with their batting performance on what was largely a favorable pitch.