New Zealand Pull One Back with Dominant Win in Fourth T20I Against India

New Zealand produced a clinical all-round performance to outplay India by 50 runs in the fourth T20I on Wednesday, keeping the five-match series alive despite the hosts retaining a 3–1 lead. Chasing a stiff target of 216, India were bowled out for 165 at the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on January 28.

The New Zealand bowlers were sharp and disciplined, with skipper Mitchell Santner leading from the front by picking up three wickets. The rest of the attack provided able support, striking at regular intervals to prevent India from building any sustained partnerships.

Shivam Dube was the lone bright spot for India in an otherwise disappointing chase. The left-hander unleashed a blistering counterattack, bringing up the third-fastest half-century by an Indian in T20 internationals. Dube reached his fifty in just 15 balls and went on to score 65 off 23 deliveries, smashing three fours and seven sixes. However, his effort proved insufficient as wickets kept tumbling at the other end.

Earlier, New Zealand’s batters laid a solid foundation after India captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to bowl. Tim Seifert anchored the innings with a fluent 62 off 36 balls, while Devon Conway chipped in with a quick 44 off 23 deliveries. Daryl Mitchell provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 39 off 18 balls, propelling New Zealand to a competitive 215 for 7. For India, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav claimed two wickets apiece.

India’s chase never truly gathered momentum. Despite Dube’s late surge, the hosts were bundled out for 165, falling well short of the target. The match was particularly important for opener Sanju Samson, who is under pressure to find form ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Samson got a start but failed to capitalise, departing for 24. With modest scores of 10, 6 and 0 in the first three matches, and competition from Ishan Kishan, the pressure continues to mount on him.

India had already sealed the series with their win in Guwahati, but New Zealand’s convincing victory has set up an intriguing finale. The fifth and final T20I will be played in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, where both sides will look to end the series on a high.

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