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The fifth and final ODI between India and New Zealand will be played today.
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In this match, India will face the challenge of swinging balls.
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Indian batsmen will have to perform well against the swing bowling.
Mount Maunganui: The match will be played today between the cricket teams of both India and New Zealand. The Indian batsmen will be looking to perform well on the swinging balls in the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand, as this match will also decide the outcome of the series. Despite suffering their second heaviest defeat in ODI cricket here on Friday, India have taken a 2-1 lead in the series.
The Indian batsmen failed miserably on pitches suited to swing and seams, and Matt Henry almost sealed victory for his side with three wickets in the first over. India will have to improve their performance on pace-friendly pitches, as they may face similar conditions in the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. Given the failure of the entire batting line-up, it would be unfair to blame one player. However, Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer have failed to make an impact so far in the five-match series.
New Zealand target to level the series
Kuldeep, who has played very few matches so far on this tour, will be eager to leave his mark if he plays in the next match. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep, who was dropped from the Test squad, will look to end the New Zealand tour with a memorable performance. New Zealand, on the other hand, face another 'do or die' match to level the series. While opener Tim Seifert revived his career with a half-century in the fourth ODI, Will Young on the other hand completed a magnificent century despite dropping two catches in the slips.
The match will be interesting
It will be interesting to see if Brett Randle, who lacks international experience, gets a chance to play at the Bay Oval. New Zealand have not lost a series at home in the last seven years and despite injuries, they will be determined to maintain that record against arch-rivals India.
FAQ
1. How many matches will be played between India and New Zealand?
The fifth and final ODI will be played.
2. What will be the major challenge facing India?
Indian batsmen will have a challenge to deal with the swinging balls.
3. What is India's position in the series?
India has taken a 2-1 lead in the series.