Mount Maunganui, Nov. 15 -- Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan rescued India from a precarious position with fighting half-centuries before the bowlers defended a modest total to secure a 22-run victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final ODI here on Sunday, sealing the series 3-1 and ending the hosts' seven-year run of consecutive bilateral ODI series victories on home soil.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, New Zealand reduced India to 34 for three, removing the top order cheaply. However, Axar and Kishan produced crucial 46-run knocks to rebuild the innings and take India to 209 all out in 42.1 overs.
Axar made 46 off 55 balls, while Kishan scored 46 off 58 deliveries. Their partnership provided the backbone of India's innings af...