India's pace attack defends 209 to seal 22-run win, third ODI series triumph in New Zealand

India's bowlers produced a superb collective effort to defend a modest total of 209 and beat New Zealand by 22 runs in the third ODI on Sunday, sealing a 2-1 series victory and their third ODI series triumph on New Zealand soil.

Arshdeep Singh led the charge with three wickets, while Axar Patel and Mohammed Siraj claimed two each as New Zealand were bowled out for 187 in 48.1 overs in a tense chase. The victory marked India's first ODI series win in New Zealand since the 2018-19 season, having also achieved the feat in 2009.

Chasing 210, New Zealand made a cautious start before Siraj removed opener Tim Seifert for 14 in the sixth over. Will Young and Nick Kelly attempted to rebuild, but India's bowlers kept the scoring in check. Young fell to Arshdeep for 22, before the left-arm pacer struck twice in quick succession to dismiss Kelly (22) and Finn Allen (1), leaving the hosts at 83/4.


Dean Foxcroft and Michael Bracewell offered some resistance, taking New Zealand past 100 and briefly rebuilding the chase. But Auqib Nabi and Yash Thakur struck in quick succession, removing Bracewell for 19 and Foxcroft for 31 to leave the hosts struggling at 119/6.