India Claims ODI Series Victory Over New Zealand with Record-Breaking Performance
India defeats New Zealand by 22 runs, sealing the ODI series 3-1 with several record-breaking achievements.
Mount Maunganui, November 15 (Daily Kiran) : India triumphed over New Zealand in the fifth and decisive ODI match held in Mount Maunganui, winning by 22 runs and securing the series 3-1. Batting first, India scored 209 runs, setting a target of 210 for the hosts. New Zealand, in response, managed only 187 runs, falling short of the goal. This victory marked a significant achievement for the Indian team, as it set multiple records.
In this final match of the series, India was bowled out for 209 runs in 42.1 overs. Key contributions came from Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan, who both scored 46 runs. For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy and Mitchell Santner each took three wickets.
Chasing the target, New Zealand was dismissed for 187 runs in 48.1 overs. Dean Foxcroft was the top scorer for the home side, managing 31 runs. Arshdeep Singh led India’s bowling attack, claiming three wickets.
Notably, India successfully defended a score of 210 runs against New Zealand in ODI cricket. This marks only the third time in ODI history that India has defended a score lower than 225 runs. The previous instances include defending 163 runs in Perth in 1980 and 190 runs (revised target) in Launceston in 1986. The match in Mount Maunganui now ranks third on this list.
Since 2015, India has successfully defended scores below 225 runs three times in ODIs. Earlier this year, the team defended 213 runs against Sri Lanka in Colombo during the Asia Cup. They also defended 224 runs against Afghanistan in the 2019 World Cup in Southampton.
The match saw a total of 396 runs scored by both teams, a noteworthy statistic as neither team had a batsman reach the 50-run mark. This game now holds the record for the highest total in men’s ODIs played in New Zealand without any half-centuries. The previous record was set in 1981 when 363 runs were scored in a match between India and New Zealand in Hamilton.
The combined score of 396 runs without a single half-century ranks as the 13th highest in ODI history. Additionally, it stands as the highest total in matches involving India to date.
