New Zealand finally opened their account in the five-match T20I series, defeating India by 50 runs in the fourth encounter at the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium on Tuesday night. Despite a spirited counterattack from the Indian middle order after a top-order collapse, the hosts fell well short while chasing a daunting target of 216. India continue to lead the series 3–1.
Put in to bat after Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss, New Zealand made full use of favorable batting conditions. Openers Devon Conway and Tim Seifert provided a blistering start, adding 100 runs in just 8.2 overs. Conway struck a fluent 44 off 23 balls, including three sixes and four boundaries, before being dismissed. Seifert anchored the innings with a commanding 62 off 36 deliveries, laced with seven fours and three sixes.
After the openers’ departure, Glenn Phillips chipped in with a quick 24 off 16 balls as New Zealand reached 126 for 3 in 12.2 overs. A brief collapse followed, but Daryl Mitchell ensured the momentum was not lost. Mitchell played a match-defining cameo, smashing an unbeaten 39 off just 18 balls, featuring three sixes and two fours, as New Zealand posted an imposing 215 for 7. For India, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav claimed two wickets apiece, while Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi picked up one each.
India’s chase began on a disastrous note. Matt Henry struck on the very first ball of the innings for the second consecutive match, removing Abhishek Sharma. Captain Suryakumar Yadav followed soon after, falling to Jacob Duffy. Sanju Samson and Rinku Singh attempted to stabilize the innings, taking India to 53 in the powerplay, but Samson was bowled by Mitchell Santner for 25. Hardik Pandya managed only two runs, leaving India struggling at 82 for 5.
The highlight of India’s innings was an explosive knock by Shivam Dube, who turned the match briefly on its head. Dube announced his arrival with a six off his first ball and went on to score a breathtaking 65 off 23 deliveries, including seven sixes and three fours. He brought up his half-century in just 15 balls and smashed 29 runs in a single over off Ish Sodhi. Dube added 63 runs in 27 balls with Harshit Rana, but his innings ended in unfortunate fashion when he was run out at the non-striker’s end.
After Dube’s dismissal, India lost their final four wickets for just nine runs and were bowled out for 165. Santner led the bowling effort with figures of 3 for 26, while Sodhi and Duffy picked up two wickets each.
With this emphatic win, New Zealand gained much-needed confidence, while India will look to bounce back and seal the series in the final T20I.
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