IND vs NZ: New Zealand scored a convincing 50-run consolation victory over India in the 4th T20I at Visakhapatnam, thanks to their dominating batting performance and tight bowling display. Although Shivam Dube’s counter-attack was nothing short of breathtaking, the hosts eventually fell short in their pursuit of a mammoth target of 216.
Explosive Opening Stand Sets the Tone for New Zealand
The start that Tim Seifert and Devon Conway gave to the New Zealand innings was the result of a blistering century stand on a batting-friendly wicket. Seifert began with a flourish, hitting boundaries off Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. He scored his first fifty in the fifth over with a majestic six off Jasprit Bumrah
Conway picked up the pace towards the end of the PowerPlay, smashing Kuldeep Yadav for 16 runs. The pair reached 100 in the first ball of the ninth over, putting immense pressure on India.
Middle-Order Contributions Push NZ Past 210
But after Conway left at 44, India could somewhat restrict the run flow with frequent wickets. Rachin Ravindra got out cheaply to Bumrah, Seifert got out with at 62, Glenn Phillips looked dangerous before getting out for 24 and Daryl Mitchell’s blistering 39 off 18 balls gave the much-needed boost. New Zealand ended with 215/7, their second-highest T20I score against India.
Shivam Dube’s Heroics Light Up the Chase
With 216 to chase, India was struggling at 63/4 when Shivam Dube, the hero of the evening, walked out to bat.
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Dube started a stunning counter-attack:
- Hit a 101-meter six off Mitchell Santner
- Scored 29 off an Ish Sodhi over
- Reached his half-century in 15 balls
- Scored 65 off 23 balls, including seven sixes
But with wickets falling at the other end, Dube’s unfortunate run-out ended India’s hopes.
India’s Top Order Falters Under Pressure
India’s aggressive strategy had a negative effect in the early stages of the chase:
- Abhishek Sharma got a golden duck
- Suryakumar Yadav got caught to the bowling of Jacob Duffy
- Sanju Samson and Hardik Pandya could not capitalize on the situation
- With no resistance from the lower order, India were bowled out for 165 in 18.4 overs
Clinical Bowling and Sharp Fielding Seal NZ Win
The bowlers of New Zealand performed their plans well:
- Mitchell Santner was brilliant with 3/26
- Jacob Duffy supported his team with 2 wickets
On the field, Rinku Singh took four catches, becoming only the second Indian outfielder to do so in a T20I.
IND vs NZ 4th T20I: Match Summary
New Zealand: 215/7 (20 overs)
Tim Seifert 62
Devon Conway 44
India: 165 all out (18.4 overs)
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Shivam Dube 65
Rinku Singh 39
Result: New Zealand won by 50 runs
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