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When the 'little guys of world cricket' dethroned Team India

Describing New Zealand's ODI series win over India as a triumph of the "little guys of world cricket", the Kiwi media said the victory proves the relevance of underdogs at a time when superpowers are trying to seize control of the game.

New Zealand won the fourth ODI to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series after the third match ended in a tie.

The result is a huge morale-booster for the Black Caps, who are now World No 7, and, who have dethroned India from the top spot.

The triumph comes at a time when India, Australia and England are pushing for a revamp of the ICC's administrative structure which would cede executive decision-making to the three countries.

"(It's) a victory, it's hoped will resonate as much with the Indian board and a global game in crisis, as it will with local fans," said The New Zealand Herald wrote on Wednesday.

'One of the Black Caps' best ODI series victories'

Echoing the sentiment was Fairfax New Zealand.

"As India sought to strengthen their already dominant position as cricket's leviathan, minnows New Zealand sent a timely reminder that the underdogs shouldn't be overlooked... (they) struck an on-field blow for those countries expected to be handicapped by the proposal's plans," it said.

The Dominion Post stated that the Kiwis were thoroughly deserving winners given the effort they put in.

"This was indeed one of the Black Caps' best ODI series victories, a breakthrough for this team who played good One-day cricket but had a reputation for bottling it at the big moments," the newspaper stated.

"There were hints of that in Auckland when the sides tied an epic game three, but last night was a composed run chase of a team with a winning formula who believed they were better."

'I don't think India are playing their best cricket'

"It left New Zealand 3-0 up heading to the finale in Wellington on Friday night, a scarcely believable prospect 10 days ago with the top-ranked ODI side pitted against No 8. Those rankings are now two and seven."

Former New Zealand wicketkeeper Warren Lees said beating the reigning world champions with such ease shows that the Kiwis have gained in confidence.

"I don't think India are playing their best cricket but they never do when they're away from home," he told Radio New Zealand.

"All the credit must go to the New Zealand team... they're stringing one or two good games together and our senior players are starting to perform consistently."