Visakhapatnam, Jan 28: New Zealand posted a formidable total of 215 for seven in their allotted 20 overs against India in the fourth T20 International at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, on Wednesday. The visitors’ batting display, powered by Tim Seifert’s aggressive half-century and late fireworks from Daryl Mitchell, has set India a stiff chase of 216 to clinch the series.

Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, India struck early but failed to contain New Zealand’s middle order. Seifert’s 62 off 36 balls, laced with boundaries and sixes, provided momentum, while Devon Conway chipped in with a brisk 44. Mitchell’s late cameo ensured the visitors crossed the 200-run mark despite regular wickets.

India’s bowlers had mixed fortunes. Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav picked up two wickets each, but the attack struggled to maintain consistency against New Zealand’s aggressive stroke play.

In reply, India’s chase began on a shaky note. Abhishek Sharma fell for a duck, while captain Suryakumar Yadav departed cheaply, leaving the hosts under pressure at 9 for 2 in the second over. With a required run rate of over 11 runs per over, the middle order, led by Sanju Samson and Rinku Singh, faces a daunting task to stabilize the innings.

The match carries significant weight as India leads the five-match series 2–1. A victory here would seal the series for the hosts, while New Zealand’s spirited performance has kept the contest alive. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup looming later this year, both sides are keen to test their bench strength and strategies under pressure.

The Visakhapatnam crowd witnessed a high-scoring contest, and the outcome now hinges on India’s ability to build partnerships and counter New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack.