With the help of two brilliant half-centuries by Jesse Ryder (63) and Martin Guptill (57) New Zealand defeated India by 8 wickets in the 5th and last ODI at Auckland. Earlier in the match, Ryder also contributed with the bowl by taking three crucial wickets of Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni and Yusuf Pathan. For his all-round performance he was named Man of the Match. Although India got defeated in the last match, it won the 5-match ODI series by 3-1 with one match washed out due to heavy rains.

 

In the morning, early shower delayed the match between India and New Zealand. Later, the match was shortened to 43-over per side. India won the toss and decided to bat first. India opener Virender Sehwag looked in his dangerous form to give India a solid start. He scored a quick 40 from just 27 balls with 3 fours and 3 sixes.

 

No other Indian batsman barring Rohit Sharma could keep the same momentum, which was seen in the last 3 matches. Rohit scored 43 not out of 74 balls and stood tall while wickets fell regularly at the other end. India was bundled out for 149 in 36.3 overs. Chasing a small total of 149, New Zealand completed the task in just 23.2 overs losing only 2 wickets. For Indian bowlers Praveen Kumar and Ishant Sharma took one wicket each.