Visakhapatnam: Leg-spinner Amit Mishra claimed five wickets to skittle New Zealand out for a paltry 79 as India thrashed the Black caps by 190 runs to clinch the five-match One-day International series 3-2 in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.
The visitors, who were chasing a target of 270, registered their lowest ODI total against India as the innings lasted for just 23.1 overs.
Mishra, who returned with impressive figures of 5-18 in six overs, claimed 15 wickets in the five matches and was judged the man of the match and the player of the series.
Earlier, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli set up the win with their gritty half-centuries to help India post 269 for six after electing to bat first in the series decider.
But it was the Mishra-led bowling attack that helped India keep their winning momentum after whitewashing New Zealand in the three Tests.
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni introduced spin into the attack in the ninth over after the pacers had provided the early breakthroughs including that of opposition skipper Kane Williamson.
It paid off as Mishra’s double blow in the 16th over to get Ross Taylor (19) and BJ Watling (0) out in the space of three deliveries derailed New Zealand’s chase. The visitors slipped to 66 for five.
Debutant spinner Jayant Yadav then got his first international wicket after he trapped Corey Anderson for nought.
Mishra then ran through the New Zealand middle and lower-order as the innings saw a total of five ducks.
The Black Caps’ previous low against India was their 103 in Chennai in 2010.
In an attempt to promote gender equality, the Indian team sported jerseys with their mothers’ names during the fifth and final match —
a move that was part of the Indian team’s sponsorship rights holder and broadcaster Star India’s ‘Nayi Soch’ campaign.
“To make a powerful statement, one that can inspire millions and propel change, our cricket team today sported jerseys with their mothers’ names at final ODI of the India-New Zealand series. Our cricket team will serve as ambassadors of new thinking and use the power and platform of sport to drive meaningful social change,” Star India said in a statement.
“This is the first time in the world that a team jersey is being used so disruptively to power social change. We compliment BCCI and the team for such a transformational collaboration. This time around, both the BCCI as well as Star have put their strength together to highlight the cause of women in our country,” Star India chairman and chief executive Uday Shankar said.
BCCI president Anurag Thakur said, “with this initiative, our endeavour is to honour each and every woman. Our team have sported their mothers’ names on their jerseys for the fifth ODI against New Zealand with intent to thank all the mothers for their efforts and sacrifices.”
