Arshdeep Singh takes 3 for 30 as India defend 209 to beat New Zealand and win ODI series 3-1

India beat New Zealand by 22 runs in the fifth one-day international in Mount Maunganui on Sunday to take the five-match series 3-1, with Arshdeep Singh named Player of the Match after figures of 3 for 30.

India defended a modest total of 209, according to The Times of India, although another report from the same outlet refers to a 210-run target.

A tense finish at the Bay Oval

New Zealand had reached 64 for 1 in their chase before India turned the contest around. With eight wickets down, the equation stood at 37 runs off 30 balls when captain Shreyas Iyer turned to Mohammed Siraj for his final over.

Ishan Kishan misjudged an edge behind the stumps and the ball ran away to the boundary, which frustrated India. Axar Patel then struck with the second delivery of his over, and New Zealand survived Yash Thakur's final over before Axar took the last wicket.

Earlier, a dhol beat synced with Arshdeep's run-up went out of step and he had to abort and restart before taking a wicket.

Runs at No. 11

Arshdeep, who batted at No. 11, added useful runs alongside Siraj towards the end of India's innings. The stand helped the visitors pass 200 after New Zealand had dominated with the ball.

"Siraj told me that these runs will be very crucial."

Arshdeep said the team wanted to get above 200 so they had some runs to bowl at.

He also joked about his batting. "I love my batting," he said, adding that some teammates say he is scared of the ball, but that he takes it and creates room.

A depleted attack stepped up

India were without Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna, and Gurnoor Brar missed the final game. Auqib Nabi, Siraj and Thakur stepped up through the series, with support from the spin of Axar and Naman Dhir.

Iyer was prepared to attack for wickets, even if it meant bowling Arshdeep out in the 43rd over, and introduced spin for the first time in the 36th over of New Zealand's innings. As in the fourth ODI, the surface changed after the golden hour and India kept taking wickets at regular intervals.

Personal news off the field

After the game, Arshdeep spoke about his fiancee and credited her support for helping him stay in the right mindset. He said he had recently got engaged on the beach at Mount Maunganui and was nervous beforehand.

"Can't ask for a better view to do that," he said.