BCCI Honorary Vice-President Rajeev Shukla was present at Bay Oval in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui on November 15, 2026, as India and New Zealand met in the fifth and final ODI of India's 2026-27 tour of New Zealand. Shukla's attendance at the ground marked a notable presence from the BCCI's senior administration during a significant bilateral series.

Shukla was also spotted spending his time to have a conversation with legendary New Zealand batter Kane Williamson, who himself was in attendance in Mount Maunganui. The two shared a cheerful moment as visuals on air displayed them having quality chat with each other while watching the series-decidinng contest.

The match served as the concluding engagement of a five-match ODI series between the two sides, bringing the full tour to a close at one of New Zealand's well-regarded cricket venues.

What happened in the 5th ODI at Bay Oval?

New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first at Bay Oval. When India came in to bat, the visitors were bowled out for 209 in 42.1 overs, falling short of posting a competitive total on the board. New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy was the standout performer with the ball for the home side, returning figures of 3 for 60 to lead the bowling effort and put sustained pressure on the Indian batting line-up throughout their innings.

The 2:00 AM IST start time meant that supporters back home had to stay up through the night to follow the contest live. Bay Oval in Tauranga, which has established itself as a regular venue on New Zealand's international cricket calendar, hosted what proved to be a closely fought series finale between two of the leading sides in world cricket.

India have already won the T20I series, and hold an unassailable 2-1 in the five-match ODI series. As a result, they would be hoping to beat the hosts by defending the 210-run target. The action will then move on to the longest format as they take on in a two-match Test series starting November 19.