In a powerful display of cricketing prowess, New Zealand secured a resounding 50-run victory against India in the fourth T20 international held in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. The win serves as a crucial morale booster for the Kiwis after India had already clinched the five-match series.
The foundation for New Zealand’s triumph was laid by a spectacular batting performance, culminating in a formidable total of 215-7. Openers Tim Seifert and Devon Conway orchestrated a devastating century partnership, dismantling the Indian bowling attack from the outset. Seifert’s explosive innings of 62 runs off just 36 deliveries set an aggressive tempo, while Conway provided solid support with his 44-run contribution.
Despite a middle-order stumble that saw key wickets falling to Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah, Daryl Mitchell’s blistering unbeaten 39 from 18 balls provided the late innings surge that pushed New Zealand past the 200-run mark.
India’s chase never gained substantial momentum as New Zealand’s bowling unit, led by captain Mitchell Santner’s exceptional figures of 3-26, systematically dismantled the home team’s batting lineup. The visitors struck early and often, reducing India to 63-4 and effectively ending their hopes of another successful chase.
The lone bright spot for India emerged through Shivam Dube’s spectacular counterattack, where he hammered 65 runs from just 23 balls, including seven massive sixes. However, his unfortunate run-out termination proved to be the final turning point as India eventually collapsed for 165 runs in 18.4 overs.
Both captains acknowledged the match’s significance as essential preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with Santner emphasizing the value of competing against India in their home conditions ahead of the global tournament.