Daijiworld Media Network - Indore
Indore, Nov 15: India suffered another batting collapse as New Zealand bowled out the visitors for 209 in the fifth and final ODI on Sunday, putting themselves in a strong position to level the series.
India entered the series decider with a 2-1 lead but struggled against disciplined New Zealand bowling. The visitors had also been dismissed for just 89 in the fourth ODI at the same venue a couple of days earlier.
India needed a solid opening partnership, but Matthew Fisher dismissed Rohit Sharma early. The opener's poor run in the series continued as his attempted chip shot was caught by Dean Foxcroft at short mid-wicket.
Virat Kohli followed soon after, edging a wide delivery from Fisher towards wicketkeeper Tim Seifert, who completed a diving catch. Ruturaj Gaikwad also departed cheaply after an inside edge off Jacob Duffy was taken by Seifert.
India slipped to 34 for three, putting the innings under immediate pressure. Axar Patel survived a chance when Foxcroft could not hold on to an uppish shot at cover.
Shreyas Iyer and Axar added 52 runs for the fourth wicket to steady the innings. However, Blair Tickner broke the partnership by dismissing Iyer with another short-pitched delivery.
Michael Bracewell then ended Axar's resistance, with the left-hander pulling the ball straight to Will Young inside the circle after scoring 46.
Ishan Kishan and Naman Dhir attempted to rebuild the innings, adding 39 runs for the sixth wicket. Kishan struck two sixes off Duffy, while Dhir contributed 22 runs.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner broke the partnership by dismissing Dhir. Kishan later fell to Duffy while attempting to accelerate the scoring.
With India in danger of failing to cross the 200-run mark, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammad Siraj struck some valuable blows towards the end to take the total to 209.
India will be disappointed with their batting performance on a largely favourable pitch, while New Zealand will look to capitalise on the modest target and draw level in the series.