New Zealand Beat India by 50 Runs in 4th T20I, Seal Series 3-1

New Zealand extended their dominance in the T20I series with a composed 50-run victory over India in the fourth match at Visakhapatnam, moving to an unassailable 3-1 lead with one game remaining. Despite a blistering counterattack from Shivam Dube, India never truly recovered from a faltering chase after being set a daunting target.

Batting first, New Zealand produced a momentum-filled innings that swung sharply through different phases. The openers laid a strong platform, with Tim Seifert setting the tone early through fearless strokeplay. He attacked the powerplay with intent, finding the boundary consistently and forcing India’s bowlers onto the defensive. Devon Conway complemented him well, rotating strike smartly while picking his moments to attack.

The pair ensured New Zealand raced past the hundred-mark inside the first nine overs, placing India under immediate pressure. However, the middle overs saw a sudden slowdown as India clawed back with disciplined bowling. Wickets fell in clusters, and New Zealand briefly lost their grip as India sensed an opening.

Just as the innings threatened to stall, Daryl Mitchell stepped in with a vital late cameo. His clean hitting at the death restored momentum, and New Zealand finished strongly, adding valuable runs in the final overs to push the total beyond 210 — a score that proved well above par on the night.

India’s chase began in disarray. An early dismissal set the tone, and wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. With the required rate climbing rapidly, the middle order struggled to build partnerships or control the tempo. The chase appeared to be slipping away well before the halfway stage.

Shivam Dube provided the lone spark. Entering with the asking rate already steep, he launched an extraordinary assault, clearing the ropes with ease and racing to one of the fastest half-centuries by an Indian batter in T20 internationals. His power-hitting briefly reignited hope and forced New Zealand to reassess their plans.

However, Dube’s dismissal — run out while attempting a risky single — effectively ended India’s challenge. With too many runs required and too few wickets in hand, the lower order folded quickly.

New Zealand’s bowlers held their nerve throughout the chase. Mitchell Santner led the effort with a controlled spell, using variations cleverly to stifle scoring, while the supporting cast chipped in at crucial moments.

The result underlined New Zealand’s superior game management across conditions and phases, while India were left reflecting on another inconsistent batting performance. With the series decided, the final match now offers India a chance to salvage pride.