In a high-scoring thriller at Visakhapatnam, New Zealand challenged India with 215 for 7 in the fourth T20 International, thanks to a sensational 100-run opening stand between Devon Conway and Tim Seifert. India, leading 3-0, face their toughest chase yet to complete a series whitewash.
Suryakumar Yadav’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss paid dividends initially, but the Kiwi openers turned the game on its head. Conway’s aggressive 44 off 23 deliveries set the tone, while Seifert’s composed 62 off 36 balls kept the scoreboard ticking.
The partnership ended at the 100-mark in the ninth over, but Seifert’s knock included partnerships that pushed New Zealand to 126 for 3 by the 13th over. Glenn Phillips’ brisk 24 off 16 provided acceleration before Daryl Mitchell’s late fireworks – 39 not out off 18 – sealed a formidable total.
Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav shone with two wickets each for India, with Bumrah and Bishnoi chipping in. The hosts fielded a strong lineup featuring Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, and Shivam Dube, ready to counterattack.
New Zealand, captained by Mitchell Santner, showed fight after losing the ODI series 1-2. India’s previous victories – a 48-run romp followed by chases of big totals – have built momentum, but 216 demands perfection from their batting firepower.