New Zealand Rout India to End Losing Streak Against India

New Zealand registered a convincing 50-run victory over India in the fourth Twenty20 International in Visakhapatnam, securing their first win of the five-match series on Wednesday. Batting first after being put in, New Zealand posted an imposing total of 215 for 7, built largely on a strong opening partnership despite a middle-overs slowdown.

Openers Tim Seifert and Devon Conway provided a blistering start, adding 100 runs for the first wicket. Seifert scored 62 off 36 balls while Conway contributed 44, laying a solid foundation. India fought back through the middle overs as Kuldeep Yadav broke the opening stand by dismissing Conway, followed by Jasprit Bumrah removing Rachin Ravindra and Arshdeep Singh ending Seifert’s aggressive innings. Kuldeep also accounted for Glenn Phillips, but Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 39 off 18 balls ensured New Zealand accelerated in the death overs to cross the 200-run mark.

In reply, India were bowled out for 165 in 18.4 overs despite a valiant effort from Shivam Dube, who struck a rapid 65 off 23 deliveries, including seven sixes. India’s chase faltered early as opener Abhishek Sharma fell for a first-ball duck and captain Suryakumar Yadav departed cheaply. Rinku Singh added some resistance with 39, but regular wickets kept India under pressure.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner played a key role with the ball, taking 3 for 26, while disciplined bowling restricted India’s scoring momentum. Dube’s run-out, following a sharp deflection by Matt Henry onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end, effectively ended India’s hopes of a comeback.

Despite the loss, India continue to lead the series 3-1 ahead of the final match scheduled to be played in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.