Bay Oval hosts the series decider on November 15, with India leading 2-1 and three batters set to shape the outcome.
Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, hosts the decisive fifth ODI between New Zealand and India on November 15, 2026, with a start time of 7:30 AM IST. India enter the match leading the five-game series 2-1, meaning a win seals the series while New Zealand must prevail to level it.
The pitch at Bay Oval is expected to behave similarly to the surface used in the fourth ODI, where the new ball swung, and batters had to work hard for their runs. With the series on the line, the contributions of key batters from both sides will be decisive.
Here are the three batters to watch out for in the 5th ODI between New Zealand and India:
3. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, the former India skipper, gave an early indication of his intent in the current series when he struck 74 off 51 balls during the first ODI. That knock showed he was ready to bring his A-game to New Zealand conditions.
However, Kohli was dismissed cheaply in both the second and third ODIs of the series, meaning he arrives at the decider with a chance to settle the scores. A big innings from him at Bay Oval could be the difference between India lifting the series or letting it slip. He has done well under pressure, and the Kiwis would want to see him back to the hut as early as possible.