New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner praised India’s bowling unit for making effective use of the conditions at Bay Oval as the visitors secured a 22-run victory in the fifth ODI on Sunday to clinch the five-match series 3-1.
India defended a total of 209 by dismissing New Zealand for 187 in 48.1 overs, recording their third ODI series triumph in New Zealand. Santner felt the hosts had bowled well enough to restrict India but were unable to sustain their batting partnerships during the chase.
Santner particularly highlighted India’s use of their seamers and the timing of their bowling changes. He said the visitors maintained pressure through the middle overs and brought their key bowlers back at important stages.
India’s four-pronged pace attack kept New Zealand from building a decisive partnership, while Axar Patel was held back as the seamers continued to find success. Arshdeep Singh led the attack with 3/30, while Mohammed Siraj and Axar claimed two wickets each. Auqib Nabi, Yash Thakur and Naman Dhir took one wicket apiece.
“I think they bowled really well. All four seamers bowled well,” Santner said after the match, crediting India’s ability to rotate their bowlers and squeeze the batters with disciplined fields.
The New Zealand captain was also satisfied with his team’s bowling effort, particularly after India were restricted to 209. Santner and Jacob Duffy claimed three wickets each, while Matthew Fisher took two as the hosts repeatedly broke India’s partnerships.
However, Santner admitted that New Zealand’s chase lacked the extended partnerships needed to overcome the target. Dean Foxcroft top-scored for the hosts with 31, while Santner made 24, but India continued to pick up wickets at regular intervals.
Santner said the pitch offered inconsistent bounce and became difficult to score freely on, allowing India’s bowlers to maintain control.
Despite the 3-1 series defeat, Santner believed the scoreline did not completely capture the competitiveness of the contest. He pointed to rain interruptions, toss results and opportunities given to several players as factors that influenced the series.
The New Zealand captain also suffered a hand injury while batting and required treatment from the team physiotherapist. He said the injury was still painful and that he would undergo an X-ray on Monday to determine its severity.
Earlier, India were bowled out for 209 in 42.1 overs after being asked to bat. Ishan Kishan and Axar Patel scored 46 each, while stand-in captain Shreyas Iyer contributed 22.
India’s series victory marked their third ODI series win on New Zealand soil, following their triumphs in 2009 and the 2018-19 season.
