VISAKHAPATNAM – New Zealand fired up the fourth T20I against India with a blistering opening partnership between Devon Conway and Tim Seifert, posting a challenging 215 for 7 after being put in to bat. Despite India’s unassailable 3-0 series lead, the Kiwis aimed to salvage pride at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and elected to field, a decision that initially looked spot on as India’s bowlers struck early. But Conway and Seifert had other ideas. The duo raced to a century stand in just 8.2 overs, laying the foundation for a massive total.
Conway fell for a quickfire 44 off 23 balls, smashing three sixes and four boundaries before Arshdeep Singh removed him. Seifert carried the momentum, anchoring the innings with 62 off 36 balls, featuring seven fours and three maximums. His partnership with Glenn Phillips added 23 crucial runs for the third wicket.
Phillips chipped in with 24 off 16, but once he departed at 126 for 3 in 12.2 overs, New Zealand’s middle order wobbled. Daryl Mitchell steadied the ship with an unbeaten 39 off 18 balls, blasting three sixes and two fours to propel the score past 200.
India’s bowling attack was led by Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav, both claiming 2 wickets apiece. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi picked up one each, but the target of 216 sets a stern test even for a confident Indian side eyeing a clean sweep.
With the series already in the bag after dominant wins by 48 runs, 7 wickets, and 8 wickets, India will look to their explosive top order including Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and skipper Yadav to chase down the total and cap off a perfect series.