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WELLINGTON. — A Ross Taylor-inspired New Zealand crushed India by 87 runs in the fifth and final one-day international cricket match in Wellington yesterday to extend the tourists’ miserable run against the Black Caps. India could manage only 216 in reply to New Zealand’s 303 for five, slumping to a 4-0 series loss despite a battling 82 from Virat Kohli.

Veteran batsman Taylor blazed his second successive century to set India the imposing run chase before seamer Matt Henry skittled the world champions’ top order in a dream debut, claiming four for 38. The result completes New Zealand’s best one-day winning streak against India in 33 years and provides a huge psychological boost ahead of a two-Test series next month.

Meanwhile, India’s failure to perform against modest opposition has seen them ousted from top spot in the one-day rankings by Australia, and will raise questions about their form away from home ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Taylor, fresh from an unbeaten 112 in the fourth match, laid the foundations for victory with a commanding 102, receiving able support from Kane Williamson (88), who has posted a half-century in every match of the series. India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni urged his pace-men to “use their brains” after losing the fourth match on Tuesday, and the new-ball pair of Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar initially responded to the challenge. Shami began with two maidens, while Kumar showed improved accuracy as the New Zealanders were restricted to just 10 runs in the first five overs. The hard work paid off when Jesse Ryder (17) snicked an outside edge from Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane at gully and Martin Guptill was out for 16 after hitting the ball straight to Shami, who took the chance after a nervous juggle. — AFP.