India won the fifth and final One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand by 35 runs at the Westpac Stadium on Sunday to clinch the series 4-1. India packed up the Kiwis for 217 in 44.1 overs, spinner Yuzvendra Chahal picked up 3 wickets for India.
The men in blue batted first, Ambati Rayudu scored 90 off 113 to anchor India’s batting line-up. Vijay Shankar scored 45 off 64 along to maintained a 98 run partnership stand with Rayudu.
Controversial all rounder Hardik Pandya’s 45 off 22 balls helped India post a decent but yet challenging target for New Zealanders. Pacer Henry took four wickets for 35 runs while Trent Boult picked up three for 39.
Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, MS Dhoni and youngster Shubman Gill got out cheaply.
The home team had a slow start but were in contest for a win, skipper Kane Williamson scored 39. The dismissal of Jimmy Neesham who scored 44 off 32 bowls took away New Zealand’s chances of a win in the 37th over.
The win boosts captain Rohit Sharma’s morale after the humiliating defeat in the 4th ODI. Rayudu’s important knock puts him in the world cup probables as well.