Visakhapatnam, Jan 28: New Zealand produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat India by 50 runs in the fourth T20I at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (January 28), keeping the five-match series alive at 3-1.
Chasing a daunting target of 216, India's batting lineup failed to deliver despite a spectacular counter-attacking half-century from , eventually folding for 165 in 18.4 overs.
Seifert-Conway Blitz Sets the Tone for NZ
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Suryakumar Yadav-led side found themselves on the back foot early as New Zealand openers Tim Seifert and Devon Conway launched a brutal assault. The duo stitched together a 100-run partnership in just 50 balls, dissecting the field with precision.
Late Daryl Mitchell Surge Pushes Kiwis Past 200
Seifert was the aggressor, smashing 62 off 36 balls, while Conway
provided solid support with a brisk 44 off 23 deliveries. Although Kuldeep Yadav brought India back into the contest with a double strike, removing Conway and Glenn Phillips, a late flourish from Daryl Mitchell (39 not out off 18 balls) propelled the visitors to a commanding 215/7. Arshdeep Singh (2/33) and Kuldeep Yadav were the pick of the Indian bowlers, while Jasprit Bumrah chipped in with a solitary wicket.
India's Chase Falters After Early Collapse
India's pursuit began disastrously with Matt Henry removing Abhishek Sharma for a golden duck on the very first ball. The hosts were further rocked when skipper Suryakumar Yadav fell cheaply to Jacob Duffy, leaving the score at a precarious position. Sanju Samson (24) and Rinku Singh (39) attempted to stabilise the innings, but the required run rate continued to climb.
Shivam Dube's Fireworks End in Run-Out
The match briefly swung in India's favour when Shivam Dube walked to the crease. The left-hander unleashed a barrage of sixes, racing to a 15-ball fifty - the third fastest by an Indian in T20Is. His explosive knock of 65 off just 23 balls, studded with seven sixes, threatened to take the game away from the Kiwis. However, a mix-up led to Dube's unfortunate run-out at the non-striker's end, effectively ending India's resistance.
Santner, Sodhi Seal New Zealand's First Win of the Tour
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner was instrumental with the ball, claiming crucial wickets to finish with figures of 3/26. He was well-supported by spinners Ish Sodhi and Jacob Duffy, who claimed two wickets apiece to wrap up the Indian tail. Sodhi went for 29 runs in an over when Dube took him on remand, forcing the Kiwi skipper to take him off the attack. But once Dube's departure, Sodhi was re-introduced and the right-arm spinner dismissed Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh in an over.
The victory marks New Zealand's first win of the tour, snapping India's three-match winning streak in the series. The fifth and final T20I will be held in Thiruvananthapuram.
Brief scores: New Zealand 215/7 in 20 overs (Tim Seifert 62, Devon Conway 44, Daryl Mitchell 39*, Arshdeep Singh 2/33, Kuldeep Yadav 2/28) bt India 165/10 in 18.4 overs (Shivam Dube 65, Rinku Singh 39, Sanju Samson 24, Mitchell Santner 3/26, Jacob Duffy 2/30) by 50 runs.
