New Zealand captain
In the final encounter, New Zealand were tasked with chasing a modest target of 210 after restricting India to that total in 42.1 overs. However, the hosts struggled to build the necessary momentum, eventually being bowled out for 187 in 48.1 overs. While the result handed India their third-ever ODI series victory on New Zealand soil, Santner pointed to a lack of sustained batting partnerships as the primary reason for the final loss.
Disciplined Indian bowling secures series win
Santner was quick to praise the tactical acumen of stand-in Indian captain
Reflecting on the tactical battle, Santner noted that the visitors successfully squeezed the scoring rate during the middle overs. He specifically highlighted the return of Arshdeep and Siraj at critical junctures as a masterstroke that prevented New Zealand from establishing a foothold. Although Dean Foxcroft top-scored with 31 and Santner himself contributed 24, the hosts could not overcome the disciplined pressure applied by the Indian bowlers.
Looking ahead after a challenging series
The New Zealand captain expressed satisfaction with his team's bowling performance earlier in the day, particularly the work of Michael Bracewell, who operated effectively through the middle overs. Santner and Jacob Duffy both claimed three wickets each, while Matthew Fisher added two, ensuring that India’s total remained within reach. Despite the disappointment of the series defeat, Santner emphasized the value of the experience gained by the players who stepped up during the campaign.
The match concluded with a personal concern for the captain, who suffered a hand injury while batting. Santner confirmed he would undergo an X-ray to determine the severity of the issue. As India celebrates a series triumph that mirrors their previous successes in 2009 and 2018-19, New Zealand will look to regroup, with their leader insisting that the narrow margins in the final game were a microcosm of a series that was much closer than the final standings indicate.
