NZ VS IND T20: New Zealand level T20I series after thrilling 50-run victory

WEB DESK: New Zealand defeated India by 50 runs in the New Zealand vs India fourth T20I at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Potinmallayapalem on Sunday, levelling the five-match series at 2-2. New Zealand posted 215-7 in their 20 overs against India, who had entered the match leading the series 3-1.

Tim Seifert was the star for New Zealand, scoring a classy 62 off 36 balls, supported by Devon Conway’s 44 and Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 39 from 18 deliveries. For India, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav were the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets each, while Jasprit Bumrah struggled to contain the Kiwi hitters, finishing with 1-38 in his four overs.

India’s chase against New Zealand got off to a shaky start, with Abhishek Sharma dismissed for a duck. However, Shivam Dube led the fightback with an explosive 65 off just 23 balls, supported by Rinku Singh’s 39. Despite a flurry of boundaries and some brisk striking, India fell short at 165-8 in 18.4 overs. Mitchell Santner and Jacob Duffy were the standout bowlers for New Zealand, picking up three and two wickets respectively.

The series now heads to a tantalising decider, with New Zealand vs India set to deliver a thrilling conclusion to this closely contested battle. The Kiwis’ spirited comeback has set the stage for a mouth-watering final T20I.