Top 5 performers from the India-New Zealand ODI series

The Indian cricket team did the double over New Zealand as they won a thrilling 5 match ODI series 3-2 after comprehensively defeating the Kiwis by 191 runs in the 5^th and final ODI at Vizag. After a disappointing Test series, New Zealand bounced back well in the shorter format as they won 2 crucial matches at Delhi and Ranchi and took the series to a decider.

While Virat Kohli continued his sizzling hot form, there were a few surprise performances from the Indian squad and a few players who disappointed as well.

Here are the Top 5 performers from the India-New Zealand ODI series.

#5 Tim Southee

Tim Southee, who made a comeback into the team after being left out for the Test-series had a few notable performances to show for which should hopefully cement his place in the New Zealand squad.

He announced his comeback with a brilliant knock with the bat in the first ODI in Dharamsala as he scored his first ever ODI half-century by smashing his way to a 55 run knock off 36 deliveries with six fours and three sixes. Unfortunately, the Kiwis lost the match by six wickets due to an unbeaten 85 by India’s Virat Kohli.

He also had a good show with the ball as he ended up as the third highest wicket-taker in the series with seven wickets in 5 matches at an average of 37 and economy rate of 5.14. His best bowling figures came in the 2^nd match at Delhi where he picked up three wickets and conceded 40 runs in 9.3 overs.

#4 Kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav turned out to be the surprise package for India in this particular series as he came up with decent all-around performances throughout the series.

He didn’t set the stage on fire with the bat, but was a sensation with the ball, picking crucial wickets in the middle overs with his off-spin. He had little experience of bowling at the domestic level, but MS Dhoni, with a knack for tapping talent from nowhere, employed Kedar Jadhav when the Kiwi batsmen looked set for big scores.

He ended up as the 4^th highest wicket-taker in the series as he picked up 6 wickets in 5 matches with a superb economy rate of 4.05 and best bowling figure of 3/29 at Mohali.

His highest score of 41 came in the 2^nd ODI in a well-fought battle at Delhi which India eventually lost. He provided a worthy contribution with the bat in the final ODI as well as he scored 34.

#3 Tom Latham

In a series which bred inconsistency for New Zealand, Tom Latham stood out as the most consistent player for them. He carried his brilliant Test form into the ODI series as well as he ended up as the 2^nd highest run-getter with 244 runs to his name with his highest score being 79 which came in the first ODI.

He was the only New Zealand batsmen to score a half-century in the first ODI at Dharamsala as he carried his bat through the innings. By doing so, he became the first Kiwi batsmen and 9^th overall to achieve the rare feat.

He consistently gave the Kiwis a good start holding on end and piling up runs. He might not have an aggressive style of play but can pick and choose his shots, using the sweep to good effect against the spinners, a ploy he used in the Tests as well.

#2 Virat Kohli

It's a surprise not to see him as the number 1 player on this list, but despite that, he once again proved to be the best batsmen for the Men in Blue as he notched up 358 runs in 5 matches. By doing so, he became the highest run-getter in the series at an average of 119 and Strike Rate of 100.

His highest score of 154* which turned out to be his 2^nd highest individual score came in the 3^rd match at Mohali. Along with captain MS Dhoni, he guided India to a superb victory chasing 285 in 50 overs. Apart from that brilliant century, he also scored two half-centuries in the first and final ODI.

#1 Amit Mishra

Photo courtesy: Indian Express

Amit Mishra proved a point to his critics as he led the Indian bowling attack in the absence of regulars Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. He ended up as the highest wicket taker with 15 wickets to his name, 7 ahead of Umesh Yadav who was second on the list.

Mishra’s 5-19 in the 5^th and final ODI at Vizag proved to be the difference between the two sides as New Zealand were bundled out for 79, thus losing the match by 191 runs.

With his exceptional performance in the ODI series, Mishra has given the selectors a lot to think about as India get ready to take on England in a 5 match Test series starting in November. He has also proved his worth to be the leading bowler ahead of the vital Champions Trophy which is set to be held in England next year.