India and New Zealand third and final ODI match of the series was played on Wednesday at Hagley Oval, and Washington Sundar hit his first ODI fifty to lead India to a respectable 219 against New Zealand.

India batters were never in commanding position, but Sundar stepped up to hit five fours and a six in a 64-ball knock to push the visitors above the 200-mark, India’s innings finally got underway. The pitch had a lot of grass and lateral movement, and the weather was cloudy.

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In addition to him, Shreyas Iyer also contributed a useful 49-run innings while the other hitters struggled and fell victim to New Zealand’s disciplined bowling display. Daryl Mitchell’s selection as the hosts’ fifth bowler, earning 3/25 in his seven overs, was a brilliant move.

In his ten overs, Adam Milne, who replaced spinner Michael Bracewell, took three wickets for 57 runs. While Matt Henry did not take a wicket but still managed to bowl ten really effective overs, he only conceded 29 runs while Tim Southee claimed two victims.

At the time of toss, the Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and opted to bowl, on the other hand, Indian skipper Shikhar Dhawan decided to go without the likes of Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav, and Shardul Thakur. 

India 219 all out vs New Zealand in 47.3 overs (Washington Sundar 51, Shreyas Iyer 49; Daryl Mitchell 3/25, Adam Milne 3/57).

(inputs from IANS)