India beat New Zealand by 22 runs in a low scoring thriller to clinch the five match series 3-1. Batting first, India were bowled out for 209 while New Zealand managed to score only 187 runs. With this win, India ended New Zealand’s unbeaten run across 11 series at home.
Arshdeep Singh won Player of the Match for taking 3/30 and scoring 14 runs off just 4 balls.
Toss
After winning the toss New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner elected to field first.
India Innings
India’s top order batters once again failed to perform well, putting their team under pressure during the early stages of the innings. Opener Rohit Sharma once again failed in the series, scoring just 7 runs before Matthew Fisher dismissed him. Virat Kohli also disappointed with the bat, scoring just 5 runs as Matthew Fisher picked up his second wicket.
Also Read:- India beat Pakistan in last ball thriller to win Asia Cup Final
Jacob Duffy gave New Zealand another powerplay breakthrough by dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad for 18 runs. India finished the powerplay at 37/3. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel rebuild India’s innings with a 52 run partnership off 55 balls for the fourth wicket. Blair Tickner broke the partnership by dismissing Shreyas Iyer for 22 runs leaving India at 86/4.
Axar Patel looks in good knick during his 46 run knock off 58 balls, hitting the ball well. His innings ended with a soft dismissal as Will Young took a catch off Michael Bracewell. India’s hope depend on the last recognised batting pair, Ishan Kishan and Naman Dhir to build a decent total. The duo added 39 runs off 50 balls before Naman Dhir fell to Mitchell Santner while attempting an inside out shot. He scored 22 runs from 31 balls.
Ishan Kishan scored 46 runs off 58 balls while Mohammed Siraj added 14 runs from 20 deliveries. Arshdeep Singh smashed 14 off 4 balls helping India cross 200 run mark. India were finally bowled out for 209 runs in 42.1 overs.
Wicket Takers New Zealand
Mitychell Santner (3/47 in 10 overs) , Jacob Duffy (3/60 in 8.1 overs) , Matthew Fisher (2/28 in 7 overs) , Blair Tickner (1/24 in 5 overs) and Michael Bracewell (1/35 in 10 overs).
New Zealand Innings
Chasing 210, New Zealand made a decent start during the powerplay despite losing Tim Seifert for 14 to Mohammed Siraj. Will Young and Nick Kelly added 38 runs for the second wicket. However, Indian bowlers kept things tight and didn’t allowed easy runs. Ruturaj Gaikwad took a brillant catch near the boundary, giving India their second breakthrough as Arshdeep dismissed Young for 22.
India pushed New Zealand further back by dismissing Nick Kelly for 24 and Finn Allen for one in quick succession. Bracewell and Foxcroft added 36 runs off 57 balls before regained control by dismissing both batters in successive deliveries.
Mitchell Santner fights with 24, Kristian Clarke made 16 and Blair Tickner added 14 runs. However Indian bowlers dismissed them at crucial moments bowling New Zealand out for 187 to win by 22 runs.
Wicket Takers India
Arshdeep Singh (3/30 in 10 overs) , Axar Patel (2/28 in 6.1 overs) , Mohammed Siraj (2/50 in 10 overs) , Naman Dhir (1/4 in 2 overs) , Auqib Nabi (1/37 in 10 overs) and Yash Thakur (1/38 in 10 overs).
Player of the Match
Arshdeep Singh (3/30 in 10 overs & 14 off 4)
Player of the Series
Gurnoor Brar (9 wickets)