New Zealand has produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat India by 50 runs in the fourth T20 International at Visakhapatnam on Tuesday.
Batting first, the visitors posted a formidable total of 215 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Tim Seifert led the charge with an aggressive 62, while Devon Conway contributed a solid 44. Daryl Mitchell added late momentum with an unbeaten 39, scoring briskly in the final overs.
For India, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav claimed two wickets each, but the Indian bowlers struggled to contain the New Zealand batting lineup and conceded runs freely.
In reply, India’s chase never gained momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals, putting the home side under constant pressure. Shivam Dube offered brief resistance with a blistering 65 off just 23 balls, while Rinku Singh added 39. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to provide support.
New Zealand’s bowlers maintained tight control throughout the innings. Mitchell Santner starred with the ball, taking three wickets, while Ish Sodhi and Jacob Duffy claimed two wickets each.
India were bowled out for 165 in 18.4 overs, handing New Zealand a comprehensive 50-run victory in the fourth T20I.
India’s run chase against New Zealand began on a shaky note as Abhishek Sharma was dismissed without scoring. Shivam Dube then launched a spirited counterattack, smashing a blistering 65 off just 23 deliveries, with Rinku Singh providing valuable support through a well-compiled 39. Despite a late surge featuring several boundaries, India were unable to keep pace with the required rate and finished on 165 for 8 in 18.4 overs.
New Zealand’s bowlers kept their composure under pressure, with Mitchell Santner leading the attack by claiming three wickets, while Jacob Duffy chipped in with two crucial breakthroughs.
The series now moves to an enticing decider, setting up a thrilling finale between India and New Zealand. The Kiwis’ strong comeback has paved the way for a high-stakes final T20I in what has been a fiercely contested series.
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