Post by : Meena Ariff

New Zealand made a strong comeback in the fourth T20 International by defeating India by 50 runs in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, recording their first win of the five-match series.

Batting first, New Zealand got off to a flying start as openers Tim Seifert and Devon Conway put together a 100-run partnership for the first wicket. The stand gave the visitors early control of the match, with Seifert playing an attacking knock of 62 runs and Conway supporting well with 44.

India managed to slow the scoring when Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Conway in the ninth over, shifting momentum slightly. Jasprit Bumrah followed up with a sharp return catch to remove Rachin Ravindra, while Arshdeep Singh brought an end to Seifert’s 36-ball innings, which included three sixes. Kuldeep continued his impressive spell by sending back Glenn Phillips for 24.

Despite losing wickets in the middle overs, New Zealand finished strongly thanks to Daryl Mitchell. His unbeaten 39 off just 18 deliveries powered the team to a formidable total of 215 for 7, giving them a commanding advantage.

In reply, India struggled early while chasing the big target. With the series already secured, the hosts made a few changes, resting Ishan Kishan due to a minor injury. The revised batting order failed to settle, as Abhishek Sharma was dismissed on the first ball and captain Suryakumar Yadav also departed cheaply.

Rinku Singh attempted to rebuild the innings with a composed 39, but regular wickets kept India under pressure. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner led the bowling attack with figures of 3 for 26, keeping tight control in the middle overs.

Shivam Dube offered late resistance with a powerful 65 off just 23 balls, smashing seven sixes to briefly revive India’s hopes. However, his unfortunate run-out — caused by a deflection off Matt Henry’s follow-through — proved decisive. India were eventually bowled out for 165 in 18.4 overs.

India still lead the series 3-1, with the final T20 International set to be played in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.

#Global News #Sports News