Sports | India vs New Zealand 4th T20I Highlights: Kiwis Crush India by 50 Runs, End Hosts' Unbeaten Streak
By Newzvia
Quick Summary
New Zealand secured their first victory in the five-match T20I series, defeating India by 50 runs in the fourth match at Visakhapatnam. The Kiwis posted a formidable 215/7, powered by Tim Seifert's 62 and Daryl Mitchell's explosive 39 off 18 balls. Despite Shivam Dube's valiant 65 off 23, India were bowled out for 165 in 18.4 overs.
New Zealand Stuns India in 4th T20I Thriller
New Zealand finally broke through in the five-match T20I series against India, clinching a commanding 50-run victory in the fourth encounter at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. After three straight losses, the Kiwis posted a challenging total of 215/7 in their 20 overs, setting up a dramatic turnaround.
Black Caps' Batting Fireworks
India captain won the toss and elected to bowl first, but New Zealand's openers Tim Seifert and Devon Conway laid a solid foundation with a brisk 100-run partnership in just 8.2 overs. Seifert top-scored with a fluent 62, while Conway contributed 44. Daryl Mitchell then unleashed aggression, smashing 39 off 18 balls to propel New Zealand past 200. Despite India's efforts to pull things back with timely wickets, including Arshdeep Singh dismissing Zakary Foulkes, the visitors finished strongly at 215/7.
Key Contributions in NZ Innings
- Tim Seifert: 62 runs
- Devon Conway: 44 runs
- Daryl Mitchell: 39 off 18 balls
- Mitchell Santner: Late boundaries to push score over 160
India's Chase Crumbles Early
Chasing 216, India's innings unravelled from the outset. Pacer Matt Henry struck gold on the very first ball, dismissing Abhishek Sharma for a golden duck. Suryakumar Yadav followed cheaply, leaving India in tatters at 18/2 after three overs. Sanju Samson and others fought back briefly, but Mitchell Santner's spin magic dismantled the middle order.
Santner claimed 3/26, including the vital wickets of Sanju Samson and Hardik Pandya, who holed out for just 2. Ravi Bishnoi and Harshit Rana offered resistance with boundaries off Santner, but the required rate proved insurmountable.
Shivam Dube's Lone Warrior Effort
Shivam Dube provided a glimmer of hope with a blistering 65 off 23 balls, featuring three fours and seven massive sixes. His explosive knock briefly ignited dreams of a heist, but timely strikes from New Zealand's bowlers, including Matt Henry, sealed India's fate. The hosts were bundled out for 165 in 18.4 overs, handing New Zealand their first win and making the series score 1-3.
Match-Changing Moments
- Matt Henry's first-ball golden duck to Abhishek Sharma
- Seifert-Conway 100-run stand
- Santner's three-wicket haul, including Pandya c Foulkes b Santner (2 off 5)
- Dube's 65, but India lose last wicket at 165
This victory breathes new life into New Zealand's campaign as the series heads to the final match. India, despite the setback, will look to seal the series 4-1 on home soil.