New Zealand Dominates Fourth T20I, Beating India by 50 Runs in Visakhapatnam

Summary: Black Caps take the fourth game 3–1 with a convincing win; Dube’s 65 not enough for India.

New Zealand delivered a commanding performance in the fourth T20 International against India on Wednesday, defeating the hosts by 50 runs at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium and taking a 3–1 lead in the five-match series.

After winning the toss and choosing to field, India struggled to contain a powerful New Zealand batting effort. The Black Caps finished on 215 for 7, owing to a good start from Tim Seifert, who scored 62 off 36 balls, and a key contribution from Devon Conway, who added 44 runs in the early overs. Lower down the order, Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 39 helped New Zealand reach a challenging total.

In response, India never quite got going. The visitors’ bowlers struck early, leaving India in trouble at 82 for 5, and despite a fiery counterattack from Shivam Dube, who blasted a rapid 65 off 23 balls — including several towering sixes — the hosts were bowled out for 165 in 18.4 overs. Dube’s innings was one of the fastest fifties by an Indian in T20 cricket, but it wasn’t enough to bridge the gap.

New Zealand’s bowling attack also put in a disciplined effort. Mitchell Santner was the standout with three wickets, while Jacob Duffy and Ish Sodhi chipped in with two apiece to keep India’s chase under constant pressure.

India’s decision to rest wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan and bring in extra bowling options paid mixed dividends; the team intended to test combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup, but the altered batting lineup struggled against New Zealand’s disciplined attack.

Though the setback is disappointing, India still has one more match to play on January 31 in Thiruvananthapuram, where they will hope to end the series strongly and gain confidence ahead of the global tournament.

The victory in Visakhapatnam boosted New Zealand's morale following a difficult start to the series. As the series comes to a close, they aim to finish strong and carry that energy into upcoming tours.