IND Vs NZ, 4th T20I: Shivam Dube’s Blazing Fifty Goes In Vain As New Zealand Win By 50 Runs

New Zealand defeated India by 50 runs in the fourth T20I on Wednesday, cutting the series margin to 3-1 after posting a commanding 215/7.

Tim Seifert’s explosive 62 off 36 balls set the tone in a blazing Power Play, while Devon Conway added 44 and Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 39 off 18 deliveries ensured a strong finish despite India tightening the screws in the middle overs.

Seifert came out with clear intent, striking boundaries at will as New Zealand raced to 71 without loss in the first six overs.

Conway initially played second fiddle before finding his rhythm, and although India struck back with wickets in the middle phase, Mitchell’s late hitting pushed the visitors beyond the 200-run mark.

Chasing 216, India’s reply never recovered from the early blows of Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav falling cheaply. Rinku Singh (39) and Sanju Samson (24) offered brief resistance, but the required rate kept soaring as wickets continued to fall.

Hardik Pandya failed to make an impact and India slipped to 82 for five, leaving the chase heavily dependent on Shivam Dube. The left-hander responded with a breathtaking counterattack, smashing seven sixes and bringing up a 15-ball fifty to briefly revive hopes.

However, a freak run-out ended Dube’s charge and with him went India’s last real chance. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 165, handing New Zealand a comprehensive victory and keeping the series alive heading into the final match.