The fifth ODI between New Zealand and India is set for November 15, 2026, at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. India enter the match leading the five-match series
2-1, meaning a victory would hand them the series while New Zealand must win to level it.
The Bay Oval surface for this match is likely to mirror the conditions seen in the fourth ODI, where the new ball moved appreciably and run-scoring required considerable patience from the batters. With the pitch offering assistance to bowlers, three names stand out ahead of the contest.
Here are the three bowlers to watch out for in the 5th ODI between New Zealand and India:
3. Axar Patel
Axar Patel was India's most economical bowler in the fourth ODI, returning figures of 2/39 from his full allocation of 10 overs. He also took 2/28 in the match before that, giving him four wickets across his last two outings in the series. Although conditions in New Zealand have not been particularly spin-friendly throughout the tour, Axar's role in the fifth ODI is expected to centre on containing the middle overs through accurate lines and changes in pace.
2. Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Sirajis set to feature in the fifth ODI after sitting out the earlier matches in this series. He is likely to come into the playing XI in place of Gurnoor Brar, who has moved across to the red-ball squad ahead of upcoming Test commitments. Siraj's opening spell with the new ball is identified as a potentially decisive phase of the match. His last ODI appearance before this series was on October 3, 2026, against the West Indies. Among his earlier milestones, Siraj reached No. 1 in the ICC ODI Rankings for Bowlers on January 21, 2023, and played his 50th ODI during the New Zealand tour of India in January 2026.
1. Jacob Duffy
Jacob Duffy has been one of the standout bowlers of the series so far, claiming six wickets across two matches at an economy rate of 6. He registered three-wicket hauls in both games he featured in, making him New Zealand's most consistent threat with the ball. With Matt Henry unavailable for the fifth ODI, Duffy carries an even greater responsibility for Mitchell Santner's bowling attack. His ability to extract movement from the Bay Oval surface will be closely watched.
![[WATCH] Rohit Sharma peeks out from dressing room to play with Samaira and Ahaan at Bay Oval](https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/8SUzHyNwTB30.webp)
