India vs New Zealand 5th ODI: Ambati Rayudu, Hardik Pandya power India to 35-run win

India overcame a disastrous start to earn a hard fought 35-run win over New Zealand in the fifth ODI in Wellington on Sunday to finish the series with a 4-1 scoreline in their favour, proving the heavy loss at Hamilton was an aberration. (Source: AP)

After winning the toss, India elected to bat first. However, the decision backfired as the Men in Blue were reeling at 18/4. (Source: AP)

Ambati Rayudu and Vijay Shankar forged a 98-run stand and got things back in control as India ended with a fighting 252. (Source: AP)

Ambati Rayudu played one of the most significant knocks of his career and made a compelling claim for a World Cup spot. He scored 90 runs in 113 deliveries, which included 4 sixes and 8 boundaries. (Source: AP)

Matt Henry troubled the Indian batsmen the most as the seamer scalped 4 wickets while giving away 35 runs in his 10-overs quota. (Source: AP)

New Zealand batsmen, including skipper Kane Williamson, squandered their starts in the chase. (AP Photo)

Leggie Yuvzendra Chahal took three timely wickets for India, conceding just 41 runs in 10 overs. (AP Photo)

Mohammed Shami claimed two wickets in the fifth ODI and was awarded with Player of the Series Award for his exceptional performance throughout the series.