India and New Zealand will meet in the fifth and final ODI of their series at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday, November 15. The visitors lead the series 2-1 and need one more win to secure their first bilateral ODI series victory in New Zealand since the 2018-19 season.
New Zealand secured a 244-run victory in the fourth ODI. Their 11-series home winning streak had already ended, but they can still level the series with another win. Both teams are also expected to make changes as several players leave to join their respective Test camps ahead of the two-match series.
IND vs NZ Match Preview and Recent Form
New Zealand outplayed India in the fourth ODI at Bay Oval. Batting first, the hosts posted a massive total of 333 runs before bowling India out for just 89 runs in 26.4 overs. The 244-run defeat was India's second-biggest loss in ODI cricket, behind their 245-run defeat against Sri Lanka in 2000.
Will Young and Tim Seifert laid the foundation for New Zealand with an 85-run opening partnership. Young scored 125 off 108 balls, including 14 fours and four sixes, while Seifert scored 58 off 48 deliveries.
Finn Allen, batting in the middle order, added 41 off 30 balls and shared a 90-run stand with Young for the fourth wicket. Mitchell Santner also scored 24 runs.
Gurnoor Brar conceded 69 runs in 10 overs but picked up two wickets. Kuldeep Yadav had an expensive outing, giving away 73 runs in eight overs without taking a wicket. Axar Patel was India's most economical bowler, finishing with figures of 2/39 in his 10 overs.
Matt Henry finished with outstanding figures of 6/27. He dismissed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer for ducks in the first over, leaving India reeling at 0/3. Ishan Kishan top-scored with 27, while Axar Patel and Naman Dhir scored 21 runs each. India were bowled out in just 26.4 overs.
IND vs NZ Live Streaming, Live Telecast: Where to Watch 5th ODI?
Cricket fans in India can watch the fifth and final ODI live on the Sony Sports Network. The match will also be available to stream online through the SonyLIV app and website. The first ball is scheduled for 7:30 AM IST.
IND vs NZ Pitch Report: How Will Bay Oval Play?
Bay Oval generally offers a good batting surface, allowing batters to score freely once they negotiate the new ball. Fast bowlers can extract considerable seam movement and bounce early in the innings.
The venue has hosted 14 men's ODIs, with the average first-innings score at 273. Given the early assistance for fast bowlers, the captain winning the toss may prefer to bowl first, use any moisture and assess the conditions before setting a target.
IND vs NZ ODI Stats at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Total matches: 14
Matches won batting first: 7
Matches won chasing: 7
Tied/no result: 0
Average first-innings score: 273
Average second-innings score: 235
Highest team total: 371/7 – New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
Lowest team total: 89 – India vs New Zealand
Highest successful chase: 300/5 – New Zealand vs India
Lowest total defended: 264/8 – New Zealand vs Pakistan
Highest individual score: 140 – Thisara Perera
Best bowling figures: 6/27 – Matt Henry
IND vs NZ Weather Forecast & Rain Threat at Bay Oval
Mount Maunganui is expected to see temperatures between 20°C and 21°C during the afternoon on Sunday. The match is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM local time, when the forecast indicates a 14% chance of rain.
The chances of rain are expected to increase towards the evening, reaching around 34% at 5 PM and 40% by 7 PM. While the forecast suggests favourable conditions during the early stages, showers could threaten the later part of the match. A complete game is possible, but rain remains a factor to watch.
IND vs NZ Team News & Squad Updates
Both teams have been hit by injuries and Test commitments, with 32 players featuring in the series so far. New Zealand will miss Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, who have joined the Test camp. Jacob Duffy is expected to return and lead the pace attack.
Blair Tickner, if he recovers from concussion, and uncapped Brett Randell are competing for the other fast-bowling spot. Josh Clarkson could replace Kristian Clarke to add another all-round option.
India will be without Gurnoor Brar, who has joined the Test squad. His absence could open the door for Mohammed Siraj to play his first match of the tour. Kuldeep Yadav remains available for the ODI despite his removal from the Test squad.
IND vs NZ Predicted Playing 11 Today
New Zealand Predicted Playing XI: Will Young, Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Nick Kelly, Dean Foxcroft, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Blair Tickner, Matthew Fisher.
India Predicted Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Auqib Nabi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.
IND vs NZ Key Player Battles to Watch
Virat Kohli vs Jacob Duffy
Virat Kohli will look to bounce back after consecutive low scores, including a duck in the previous match. With Matt Henry unavailable, Jacob Duffy is expected to lead New Zealand's pace attack and use any early movement to trouble the Indian batter.
Will Young vs Mohammed Siraj
Will Young could face a new-ball challenge from Mohammed Siraj, who is expected to return to India's XI. Siraj will look to use his aggressive lengths and seam movement to put Young under pressure in the powerplay.
Finn Allen vs Kuldeep Yadav
Finn Allen showed his ability to attack in the middle order with a quickfire 41 off 30 balls in the previous match. Kuldeep Yadav will need to use his variations and turn to contain Allen's aggressive stroke play during the middle overs.
IND vs NZ Key Players to Watch
New Zealand: Will Young, Tim Seifert, Jacob Duffy.
India: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj.
Also read: Why India dropped Kuldeep Yadav and picked Gurnoor Brar for New Zealand Tests?
