IND vs NZ 4th T20I Highlights-India’s undefeated run in the ongoing T20I series came to a screeching halt in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. Despite having already sealed the series, the Men in Blue were looking to maintain their momentum heading into the T20 World Cup, but a clinical New Zealand side had other plans, securing a comprehensive 50-run victory.
Black Caps Post a Towering Total
After being asked to bowl first at the ACA-VDCA International Stadium, the Indian bowlers found themselves under pressure early on. The Kiwi openers, Tim Seifert and Devon Conway, provided a flying start. Seifert was the star of the show, smashing a brilliant 62 off just 36 balls, while Conway supported with a quickfire 44.
Late fireworks from Daryl Mitchell (39)* propelled New Zealand to a massive 215/7 in their 20 overs. For India, Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh managed two wickets each, but the lack of control in the middle overs proved costly.
India’s Top Order Collapse
The chase began on the worst possible note for the hosts. Abhishek Sharma fell for a golden duck, followed quickly by captain Suryakumar Yadav, who could only manage 8 runs. Sanju Samson showed intent with a 15-ball 24 but couldn’t convert it into a big score.
Shivam Dube’s Heroics Go in Vain
The one silver lining for India was a breathtaking counter-attack by Shivam Dube. The left-hander kept the Vizag crowd on their feet, racing to a 15-ball fifty—one of the fastest in T20I history for India. Dube’s 65 off 23 balls (featuring six massive sixes) briefly brought India back into the hunt.
However, a tragic run-out at the end of the 15th over ended Dube’s stay and effectively killed the chase. India eventually collapsed to 165 all out in 18.4 overs.
Match Summary
- New Zealand: 215/7 (20 overs) – Tim Seifert 62, Devon Conway 44.
- India: 165/10 (18.4 overs) – Shivam Dube 65, Rinku Singh 39.
- Result: New Zealand won by 50 runs.
- Player of the Match: Tim Seifert
With the series scoreline now at 3-1, the two teams head to Thiruvananthapuram for the fifth and final T20I on Saturday, January 31. India will be looking to finish on a high, while the Black Caps will hope to carry this winning momentum forward.
