NEW Zealand wrapped up a 4-0 series win with an 87-run victory over India in the fifth and final one-day international in Wellington yesterday.
Ross Taylor, fresh from an unbeaten 112 in Hamilton last time out, smashed a second consecutive century as the hosts reached 303 for five.
In reply, India could limp to only 216 before they were skittled out in the final over, with Black Caps debutant Matt Henry taking four wickets at the cost of just 38 runs.
As has been the case in every match this series, India won the toss with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni putting the hosts in to bat.
It looked a shrewd move early on when openers Jesse Ryder (19) and Martin Guptill (16) were removed without troubling the scorers too much, but Taylor, in tandem with Kane Williamson, soon had New Zealand on track.
The pair combined for a century partnership, with Williamson bringing up his fifth consecutive half-century. Williamson was destined to fall short of three figures, however, as he was removed on 88 by Varun Aaron.
There was no such misfortune for Taylor, who brought up his 10th ODI ton in 105 balls – a knock which featured 10 fours and a six.
His innings was ended by Mohammed Shami with the very next delivery, but his contribution was nevertheless key as the hosts ran up an imposing total, that also saw good contributions from Brendon McCullum (23) and Jimmy Neesham (34 not out).
India’s reply faltered almost as soon as it had begun with opener Rohit Sharma dismissed for just four runs by Kyle Mills, while Henry was soon marking his debut with his first international wicket, removing Shikhar Dhawan on nine.
Virat Kholi (82) and Dhoni (47) mounted a fightback from the visitors but the Black Caps’ total was always beyond them, and as Indian desperation increased their shots became wilder, leading to a glut of late wickets.
Henry was the chief beneficiary of India’s woes, adding the scalps of Ajinkya Rahane (two), Ambati Rayudu (20) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (25) to his personal haul as the hosts comfortably wrapped up a series they have dominated.
Attention now turns to the two-match Test series, which begins in Auckland on February 6.
(PA Sport)
