VISAKHAPATNAM: In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, New Zealand rewrote the record books during the fourth T20I against India at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. The Kiwi openers Devon Conway and Tim Seifert forged a blistering 100-run partnership in just 8.1 overs, marking the fastest team century against India on home soil in T20 cricket.
This explosive start not only stands as New Zealand’s quickest hundred against India but also ranks as the joint second-fastest in T20Is versus the hosts. Conway, the aggressor, fell for 44 off 23 balls, smashing three sixes and four boundaries before being dismissed. Seifert remained unbeaten on 62 from 36 deliveries, featuring seven fours and three massive sixes, setting the tone for New Zealand’s innings.
The duo’s partnership was New Zealand’s first century stand for the opening wicket since October 2022, when Conway and Finn Allen piled up 117 runs against Pakistan. Under Mitchell Santner’s captaincy, the Kiwis made one change, bringing in Zach Foulkes for Kyle Jamieson, with Seifert keeping wickets alongside Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, and Jacob Duffy.
India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, opted for a balanced attack including Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Jasprit Bumrah. Suryakumar revealed at the toss that Ishan Kishan was sidelined with a minor injury, paving the way for Arshdeep’s inclusion.
As the match unfolds, New Zealand’s explosive opening has put India under early pressure. With the series hanging in balance, fans are bracing for a high-octane clash between two attacking sides. This record-breaking knock underscores the Kiwis’ intent to dominate the shortest format on Indian pitches.