New Zealand emphatically ended their T20 International losing streak with a comprehensive 50-run victory over India in the fourth match of their five-game series, played in Visakhapatnam. The win marks the tourists' first success in the current series, injecting fresh momentum ahead of the final encounter.
A Commanding Total Built on Solid Foundations
Put in to bat first, New Zealand's innings was built upon a spectacular century opening partnership between Tim Seifert and Devon Conway. The duo provided a blistering start, combining for an opening stand of 100 runs to lay a formidable platform. Seifert was particularly aggressive, scoring 62 runs from just 36 deliveries, which included three powerful sixes. Conway provided steady support with a well-made 44.
India Fight Back in the Middle Overs
India's spin wizard, Kuldeep Yadav, broke the dangerous partnership by dismissing Conway in the ninth over, triggering a mini-collapse. The hosts clawed their way back into the contest with quick wickets; Jasprit Bumrah removed Rachin Ravindra with a sharp return catch, and Arshdeep Singh ended Seifert's explosive knock. Kuldeep struck again to claim the wicket of Glenn Phillips for 24.
However, New Zealand showcased their depth and power-hitting prowess in the death overs. Daryl Mitchell played a crucial, unbeaten cameo of 39 runs from only 18 balls, ensuring the tourists posted a commanding total of 215 for 7 from their allotted 20 overs.
India's Rejigged Batting Order Stumbles
Having already secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series, India opted to rest top-order batter Ishan Kishan, who was managing a minor injury. This decision led to a reshuffled batting lineup that immediately found itself under intense pressure.
The in-form opener Abhishek Sharma, currently the world's top-ranked T20 batter, fell for a first-ball duck to the excellent Matt Henry. Captain Suryakumar Yadav could only manage eight runs before departing. Although Rinku Singh, promoted up the order, made a fighting 39, wickets fell at regular intervals. New Zealand's skipper, Mitchell Santner, was instrumental with the ball, claiming impressive figures of 3 for 26.
Dube's Valiant Effort in Vain
Shivam Dube provided a glimmer of hope for the Indian chase with a belligerent innings of 65 runs from a mere 23 balls, smashing seven towering sixes. His explosive knock briefly kept India in the hunt. However, his dismissal via a run-out proved to be the turning point. A drive from Harshit Rana was deflected onto the stumps at the non-striker's end by bowler Matt Henry in his follow-through, ending Dube's stay and effectively sealing India's fate.
The hosts were eventually bowled out for 165 in 18.4 overs, handing New Zealand a morale-boosting victory by a margin of 50 runs. The series now stands at 3-1 in India's favour, with the final match scheduled to take place in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.
