Venue: Visakhapatnam Format: T20i Series Status: India still lead the series 3-1
The fourth T20 International between India and New Zealand in Visakhapatnam delivered a high-scoring, high-pressure contest where momentum kept swinging, but in the end, New Zealand held their nerve to hand India their first defeat of the series.
With India already having sealed the series earlier, this match became an important test of squad depth and game management under pressure — and it was New Zealand who made better use of the opportunity.
New Zealand’s Batting: Fearless and Calculated
New Zealand came out with clear intent and never allowed the Indian bowlers to settle. The top order attacked both pace and spin, ensuring the run rate stayed healthy throughout the innings.
What worked for the visitors:
- Strong powerplay with boundary flow
- Smart rotation in middle overs
- Aggressive finishing in the death overs
Instead of slowing down after losing wickets, the batters kept pushing the scoring, turning a good total into a challenging one.
India’s Bowling: Pressure Without Control
India managed to take wickets at regular intervals, but controlling the scoring rate proved difficult. Loose deliveries were punished, and defensive fields were quickly exposed by smart placement.
Key issues for India:
- Inconsistent lengths at the death
- Missed chances in the field
- Difficulty containing set batters
However, the team experimented with bowling combinations, which suggests this match was also used to assess options for future tournaments.
India’s Chase: Promising Start, Rising Pressure
India’s chase began confidently, with openers showing positive intent. The early overs kept the required rate manageable, but once wickets started falling, the pressure quickly shifted to the batting side.
Middle-order struggles:
- Partnerships failed to develop
- Big shots attempted too early
- Required run rate climbed rapidly
Late hitting brought brief hope, but the asking rate proved too steep, and India eventually fell short despite a spirited fight.
🔍 What This Match Tells Us
✔ Positives for India
- Valuable match time for bench players
- Clear areas identified for middle-order stability
- Useful data on bowling combinations
✔ Positives for New Zealand
- Confidence-boosting win after tough losses
- Strong batting depth on flat pitches
- Momentum going into the next game
This match reminded everyone how quickly T20 games can change when one team maintains attacking intent.
📊 Series Impact
Although India still remain comfortably ahead in the series, this defeat acts as a timely reminder that execution matters more than reputation in the shortest format. Even small lapses in bowling or fielding can turn matches around within a few overs.
For New Zealand, the win restores belief and proves they can match India when they stick to aggressive game plans.
🧠 Final Word
The 4th T20I was not just about the result — it was about momentum, confidence, and preparation.
New Zealand played with freedom and purpose, while India, despite moments of brilliance, couldn’t maintain control during key phases.
For fans, it was pure entertainment.
For teams, it was an important learning match ahead of bigger challenges.