India Beat New Zealand by 22 Runs in 5th ODI, Clinch Series 3-1 for First Overseas Triumph Under Gambhir

Mount Maunganui, November 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

India’s pace attack produced a decisive performance to defend a modest total of 209 runs and secure a 22-run victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final ODI at Bay Oval on Sunday, sealing the series 3-1.

The defeat also ended New Zealand’s seven-year run without losing a home ODI series. The triumph marked India’s first overseas ODI series victory under head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Arshdeep Singh led the bowling effort with figures of 3-30, while Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel claimed two wickets apiece. Auqib Nabi, Naman Dhir and debutant Yash Thakur picked up one wicket each as New Zealand were dismissed for 187 in 48.1 overs.

Chasing 210, New Zealand made a promising start but lost Seifert for 14 to Siraj. Arshdeep then struck twice, removing Will Young (22) and Nick Kelly (24), before Siraj bowled Finn Allen to leave the hosts struggling at 83/4.

India overcame two dropped catches to keep control of the contest. Nabi dismissed Michael Bracewell for 19, while Thakur claimed his maiden ODI wicket by removing Dean Foxcroft, who had made 31. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner scored 24, but his dismissal to a catch at deep mid-wicket further weakened the chase.

Arshdeep sent back Kristian Clarke, while Axar finished the contest by dismissing Jacob Duffy and having Blair Tickner stumped for 14.

Earlier, India were bowled out for 209 in 42.1 overs after New Zealand’s bowlers exploited the conditions. Santner and Duffy took three wickets each, with Matthew Fisher claiming two.

India suffered early setbacks as Rohit Sharma fell for seven and Virat Kohli managed only five. Ruturaj Gaikwad was dismissed for 18, leaving the visitors under pressure.

Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer added 52 runs to steady the innings before Iyer departed for 22. Axar and Ishan Kishan then contributed 46 runs apiece, with Kishan’s 58-ball knock providing resistance in the middle order. Naman Dhir added 22, while the last-wicket pair of Siraj and Arshdeep contributed a valuable 26 runs to take India past 200.

Brief Scores: India 209 in 42.1 overs (Axar Patel 46, Ishan Kishan 46; Mitchell Santner 3-47, Jacob Duffy 3-60) beat New Zealand 187 all out in 48.1 overs (Dean Foxcroft 31, Mitchell Santner 24; Arshdeep Singh 3-30, Axar Patel 2-28) by 22 runs.