India recalled experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj to their playing XI for the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday. The match marks Siraj’s first appearance in the ongoing series after remaining sidelined for the previous four games. He last played an ODI match against the West Indies in October.
Alongside the return of Siraj, India handed an international debut to right-arm seamer Yash Thakur. Indian captain Shreyas Iyer expressed confidence in both players during the toss, noting that Siraj has been eager for an opportunity across all formats, while describing Thakur as a jovial player who has been in the team's selection scheme for some time.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bowl first in the series finale. India enters the match leading the series 2-1, having secured victories in the first two games before the third was abandoned due to rain. The visitors subsequently suffered a 244-run defeat in the fourth ODI on Friday. According to The Times of India, both teams are missing key players, with Gurnoor Brar of India and New Zealand’s Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson sitting out to prepare for the upcoming two-Test series beginning November 19.
The Hindustan Times reported that India’s opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli faced early setbacks in their innings. Matthew Fisher claimed the wickets of both senior batters, with Rohit departing for 7 runs and Kohli dismissed for 5. By the end of the 7.3 overs, India had reached 33/2.
Key facts
- India leads the five-match ODI series 2-1 heading into the final fixture.
- Mohammed Siraj returns to the team after sitting out for four matches.
- Yash Thakur made his debut for the Indian side in the final game.
- The fourth match, held on Friday, ended in a 244-run victory for New Zealand.
- India’s XI includes Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Yash Thakur.
Why it matters
This match acts as the series decider. A win or a no-result would secure the series for India, while a victory for New Zealand would leave the five-match series leveled.
Background
The two-Test series between India and New Zealand is scheduled to commence on November 19, prompting the resting of players like Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson for the final ODI.
Source: Times of India, Hindustan Times
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