New Zealand clinch 5th ODI, India win series
India’s winning streak finally snapped on Saturday as New Zealand cruised to an eight-wicket consolation win in the final One-dayer to deny the visitors a clean sweep of the ODI series.
India’s awe-inspiring batting order witnessed a rare collapse today and the visitors were skittled out for a paltry 149 runs in 36.3 overs and the score could have been embarrassing but for Virender Sehwag (40) and Rohit Sharma (43 not out).
New Zealand chased down the meagre target in just 23.2 overs after Jesse Ryder (63) gave them a flying start and Martin Guptill (57 not out) stayed till the end to see the side through in what turned out to be a one-sided contest at the Eden Park.
It turned out to be a memorable outing for Jesse Ryder who also scalped three wickets for 29 runs in his nine overs.
The Indians, who had already clinched the series, had to be content with a 3-1 scoreline with the Kiwis restoring some pride by convincingly winning the last game. Both the teams would renew their rivalry in a three-match Test series starting March 18.
