India vs New Zealand 4th & 5th T20I Highlights – NZ Wins 4th, India Clinches Series
4th T20I New Zealand Secures Consolation Win with 50-Run Victory in Visakhapatnam
New Zealand registered their first win of the series, defeating India by 50 runs at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. After being 3-0 down, the Kiwis produced a near-perfect performance to avoid the whitewash, posting 215/7 and then restricting India to 165 all out in 18.4 overs. Despite Shivam Dube’s breathtaking 65 off 23 balls, India couldn’t chase down the target.
Match Summary: New Zealand 215/7, India 165 All Out
New Zealand’s innings was built on three pillars: a blistering 100-run opening partnership between Tim Seifert (62 off 36) and Devon Conway (44 off 33), a middle-order collapse where they lost 6 wickets for 63 runs, and then a final flourish from Daryl Mitchell (39* off 18) that took them past 200. India’s chase never gained momentum, collapsing to 82/5 before Dube’s explosive counter-attack briefly raised hopes.
4th T20I – Top Performers & Match Heroes
Player of the Match: Tim Seifert
Batting Figures: 62 runs off 36 balls (Strike Rate: 172.22 | 7 fours, 3 sixes)
Tim Seifert was at his adventurous best in the powerplay, coming out swinging from ball one. Of the first 12 balls of the innings, he faced 11 and thrashed them for 25 runs. His assault included two leading edges over short third for boundaries and crisp drives in front of the wicket against Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.
While Devon Conway started cautiously, managing 8 off 9 against the fast bowlers, Seifert ensured New Zealand dominated the powerplay. He ransacked 46 runs in 21 balls during the first six overs as New Zealand raced to 71/0 – their best powerplay against India in T20Is.
Once the field spread and spinners came on, Seifert found it tougher to breach gaps regularly, managing just 16 runs off his next 15 deliveries. Nevertheless, his foundation-laying knock gave New Zealand the platform they desperately needed. He eventually fell to Arshdeep Singh, caught at long-off by Rinku Singh for 62.
Devon Conway: 44 Off 33 Balls – Perfect Support
Strike Rate: 133.33 | Boundaries: 2 fours, 3 sixes
Devon Conway provided the perfect foil to Seifert’s aggression. Initially subdued against the fast bowlers, Conway exploded against Ravi Bishnoi in the last over of the powerplay, striking two fours and a six. The left-hander took on the spinners with authority once the field spread, ensuring New Zealand maintained momentum after their explosive start.
The Seifert-Conway partnership of 100 runs was New Zealand’s first century opening stand in T20Is since 2022. Conway’s role in rotating strike and finding boundaries at crucial moments complemented Seifert’s fireworks perfectly.
Shivam Dube: 65 Off 23 Balls – India’s Third-Fastest T20I Fifty
Strike Rate: 282.61 | Boundaries: 1 four, 7 sixes | Fifty: 15 balls
Despite India’s eventual defeat, Shivam Dube produced one of the most devastating innings in T20I history. When he walked in, India were reeling at 82/5 in the 11th over, needing 134 runs from 48 balls – a virtual impossibility.
What Dube did next was extraordinary: He tore into the New Zealand bowling, reaching his fifty in just 15 balls – India’s third-fastest T20I half-century ever. His onslaught featured massive sixes over long-on, mid-wicket, and deep square leg. The left-hander’s clean hitting was a masterclass in power-hitting.
Dube’s blitz briefly brought India back into the contest, lifting the scoring rate to 10 runs per over and momentarily igniting hopes of an improbable victory. He reached 40 off just 12 balls at one stage, smashing four sixes and two fours in that period.
His innings finally ended when he was run out in the 15th over after a breathtaking 65. Though India lost, Dube’s knock was a highlight reel and a reminder of his explosive capabilities heading into the T20 World Cup.
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Mitchell Santner: 3/26 – Spin Masterclass
Bowling Figures: 3 wickets for 26 runs in 4 overs (Economy: 6.50)
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner led from the front with the ball, picking up crucial wickets to derail India’s chase. He dismissed Sanju Samson (24 off 15), Hardik Pandya (2 off 5), and Jasprit Bumrah (4 off 2) to finish with impressive figures of 3/26.
Santner’s variations and tactical acumen kept India’s batsmen guessing. His dismissal of Samson, who was looking dangerous after scoring three fours and a six, was particularly crucial as it broke the only threatening partnership India had built.
Other Top Performers – 4th T20I
Daryl Mitchell (39* off 18 balls): Mitchell once again rescued New Zealand from a precarious position. With the visitors at 168/6 after 17 overs, he smashed Jasprit Bumrah for a four and six in the 19th over – Bumrah’s second-costliest over in T20I cricket, conceding 19 runs. His late assault added crucial runs.
Jacob Duffy (2/33 in 4 overs): The tall pacer took crucial wickets of Suryakumar Yadav (caught and bowled with a stunning low catch) and Kuldeep Yadav to finish with 2/33.
Rinku Singh (39 off 30 balls): India’s best batter on the night alongside Dube, Rinku scored 39 with three fours and two sixes, looking fluent before being trapped LBW by Zakary Foulkes.
4th T20I – How the Match Unfolded
New Zealand’s Explosive Start
New Zealand’s openers tore into the Indian attack, racing to 71 runs in the powerplay – their best-ever against India. Tim Seifert brought up his fifty off just 25 balls, while the pair added 100 runs for the first wicket inside nine overs, giving New Zealand a flying start.
India’s Bowling Comeback
India clawed their way back through the middle overs with disciplined bowling. Jasprit Bumrah (1/38), Kuldeep Yadav (2/39), and Arshdeep Singh (2/33) struck at regular intervals. New Zealand were restricted to just 34 runs between overs 8-13, losing three wickets as momentum swung India’s way. They were further reduced to 163/6 in 17 overs before Mitchell’s late fireworks.
India’s Disastrous Start to Chase
India’s chase never found momentum. Abhishek Sharma fell for a golden duck on the very first ball, slicing Matt Henry to Devon Conway at deep third. Captain Suryakumar Yadav departed soon after, caught and bowled brilliantly by Jacob Duffy as India slipped to 9/2 in two overs.
Sanju Samson (24 off 15) and Rinku Singh attempted to rebuild, but Samson’s dismissal in the 7th over kept New Zealand in control. Hardik Pandya’s departure pushed India further behind, and when Rinku was trapped LBW by Foulkes, India were 82/5 in the 11th over – effectively out of the contest.
4th T20I – Complete Bowling Figures
New Zealand Bowlers:
• Mitchell Santner: 3/26 in 4 overs (Economy: 6.50)
• Jacob Duffy: 2/33 in 4 overs (Economy: 8.25)
• Ish Sodhi: 2/30 in 3 overs (Economy: 10.00)
• Zakary Foulkes: 1/37 in 3.4 overs (Economy: 10.09)
• Matt Henry: 1/14 in 3 overs (Economy: 4.66)
India Bowlers:
• Kuldeep Yadav: 2/39 in 4 overs (Economy: 9.75)
• Arshdeep Singh: 2/33 in 4 overs (Economy: 8.25)
• Jasprit Bumrah: 1/38 in 4 overs (Economy: 9.50)
• Varun Chakravarthy: 1/26 in 3 overs (Economy: 8.66)
• Harshit Rana: 1/30 in 4 overs (Economy: 7.50)
• Ravi Bishnoi: 0/30 in 1 over (Economy: 30.00)
5TH T20I – INDIA’S DOMINANT SERIES-CLINCHING WIN
India Seal Series 4-1 with Comprehensive 46-Run Victory
Thiruvananthapuram, January 31, 2026 – India capped off their final T20I assignment ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 with a dominant 46-run win over New Zealand at the Greenfield International Stadium. This comprehensive victory sealed the five-match series 4-1 and underlined India’s depth and firepower in the shortest format.
Match Summary: India 271/5, New Zealand 225 All Out
After winning the toss and opting to bat, India posted a daunting 271/5 – their third-highest T20I total ever. Ishan Kishan smashed a brilliant maiden T20I century (103 off 43 balls), captain Suryakumar Yadav contributed a stroke-filled 63 off 30 balls, and Hardik Pandya blasted 42 off 16 balls. India struck 23 sixes, equalling their record for most maximums in a T20I innings. In response, New Zealand put up a fight but were bowled out for 225 in 19.4 overs, with Arshdeep Singh claiming a maiden T20I five-wicket haul (5/28).
5th T20I – Top Performers & Match Heroes
Player of the Match: Ishan Kishan
Batting Figures: 103 runs off 43 balls (Strike Rate: 239.53 | 6 fours, 10 sixes)
Ishan Kishan produced the innings of the series, smashing his maiden T20I century in spectacular fashion. Making a strong statement in his battle for the wicketkeeper-batsman spot with Sanju Samson, Kishan took the attack to New Zealand from the outset.
The Journey to His Maiden Century: After Samson fell early for just 6, Kishan joined Abhishek Sharma and immediately looked in ominous touch. When Sharma departed for 30, Kishan found the perfect partner in captain Suryakumar Yadav. The duo stitched together a rapid 137-run partnership that dismantled New Zealand’s bowling attack.
Kishan reached his fifty off just 22 balls and then accelerated further. His knock featured powerful sixes over long-on, mid-wicket, and deep square leg. He reached the magical three-figure mark with back-to-back sixes, bringing up his century in just 42 balls – a moment of pure jubilation.
His innings included some breathtaking shots: slog-sweeps against the spinners, pull shots off the pacers, and innovative strokes all around the ground. Kishan eventually fell for 103, caught by Glenn Phillips at deep mid-wicket off Jacob Duffy’s bowling, but by then he had already secured his place in India’s plans for the World Cup.
Suryakumar Yadav: 63 Off 30 Balls – Captain’s Knock
Strike Rate: 210.00 | Boundaries: 4 fours, 6 sixes
Captain Suryakumar Yadav led from the front with another fluent half-century, his 24th in T20I cricket. During his innings, SKY crossed the 3,000-run milestone in T20Is, becoming one of the elite batsmen in the format.
His partnership with Ishan Kishan was a batting masterclass. Suryakumar showcased his trademark improvisation and 360-degree shot-making ability, dispatching Jacob Duffy and Mitchell Santner to all parts of the ground. His signature flick over backward square leg and inside-out shots over cover were on full display.
Suryakumar reached his fifty off just 26 balls, smashing four fours and four sixes in that period. He was eventually stumped by Tim Seifert off Mitchell Santner’s bowling for a brilliant 63, but his job was done – India were well on their way to a massive total.
Hardik Pandya: 42 Off 16 Balls – Late Fireworks
Strike Rate: 262.50 | Boundaries: 2 fours, 5 sixes
Hardik Pandya provided the perfect late onslaught to push India past 270. Coming in after Kishan’s dismissal, Hardik smashed 42 runs off just 16 deliveries, including two fours and five massive sixes.
His assault on Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy in the death overs was brutal. Hardik’s clean hitting over long-on and mid-wicket added crucial runs to India’s total. He was dismissed by Jamieson in the final over, but his cameo had already pushed India to their third-highest T20I score.
Arshdeep Singh: 5/28 – Maiden T20I Five-Wicket Haul
Bowling Figures: 5 wickets for 28 runs in 3.4 overs (Economy: 7.63)
Arshdeep Singh produced a career-best bowling performance, claiming his maiden T20I five-wicket haul to dismantle New Zealand’s chase. After a somewhat expensive start (17 runs in the first over), Arshdeep made a remarkable turnaround.
His Wickets:
1. Tim Seifert (5 off 3) – struck early in the first over
2. Rachin Ravindra (30) – crucial breakthrough when partnership was building
3. Mitchell Santner (0) – golden duck to the NZ captain
4. Kyle Jamieson – cleaning up the lower order
5. Daryl Mitchell – completed his five-for
Arshdeep’s ability to bounce back after an expensive first over demonstrated his mental strength. His variations, including slower balls and yorkers, proved too good for New Zealand’s batsmen. This performance cemented his position as India’s premier death bowler heading into the World Cup.
Finn Allen: 80 Off 43 Balls – Fighting Knock in Vain
Strike Rate: 186.05 | Boundaries: 7 fours, 6 sixes
Finn Allen, playing his first match of the series, produced a spectacular knock that gave New Zealand hope. After Seifert fell early, Allen launched an aggressive counter-attack, bringing up a 22-ball half-century to take New Zealand to 70/1 at the end of the powerplay.
Allen’s innings featured powerful shots all around the ground. He was particularly severe on Arshdeep Singh in the first over, helping New Zealand to an explosive start. His 80 off 43 balls was the top score for New Zealand, but he lacked support as wickets fell regularly at the other end.
Other Top Performers – 5th T20I
Abhishek Sharma (30 off 16 balls): The opener looked fluent during his brief innings before being bowled by Lockie Ferguson. His quick start of 30 helped India add 54/2 in the powerplay.
Axar Patel (3/49 in 4 overs): The left-arm spinner picked up three crucial wickets, removing Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, and contributing to New Zealand’s collapse.
Ish Sodhi (33 off 15 balls): Sodhi provided late resistance with three sixes and a four, but it was too little too late for New Zealand.
Varun Chakravarthy (1/42 in 4 overs): The mystery spinner removed Bevon Jacobs to continue his good form in the series.
5th T20I – How the Match Unfolded
India’s Batting Blitz
After winning the toss, India got off to a brisk start, adding 31 runs in 17 balls before Sanju Samson’s lean run continued with his dismissal for 6. Abhishek Sharma looked fluent during his 30 off 16 before being bowled by Ferguson. India reached 54/2 at the end of the powerplay.
The Kishan-Suryakumar partnership then took the game away from New Zealand. The duo added 137 runs, pushing India past 100 in the 10th over and then accelerating further. Both batsmen reached their respective fifties and continued to punish every bowler. After their dismissals, Hardik Pandya’s late onslaught ensured India posted 271/5.
New Zealand’s Fighting But Futile Chase
Chasing 272, New Zealand lost Tim Seifert early in the first over to Arshdeep Singh. However, Finn Allen responded with an aggressive counter-attack, reaching his fifty off just 22 balls. New Zealand were 70/1 at the end of the powerplay, giving themselves a glimmer of hope.
But once Axar Patel dismissed Allen, the wheels came off. Arshdeep struck crucial blows, removing Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner in quick succession. Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep cleaned up the lower order as New Zealand were bowled out for 225 in 19.4 overs.
5th T20I – Complete Bowling Figures
India Bowlers:
• Arshdeep Singh: 5/28 in 3.4 overs (Economy: 7.63)
• Axar Patel: 3/49 in 4 overs (Economy: 12.25)
• Varun Chakravarthy: 1/42 in 4 overs (Economy: 10.50)
• Rinku Singh: 1/7 in 0.4 overs (Economy: 10.50)
New Zealand Bowlers:
• Mitchell Santner: 1/49 in 4 overs (Economy: 12.25)
• Jacob Duffy: 2/65 in 4 overs (Economy: 16.25)
• Kyle Jamieson: 1/46 in 3.4 overs (Economy: 12.54)
• Lockie Ferguson: 1/42 in 4 overs (Economy: 10.50)
• Ish Sodhi: 0/53 in 4 overs (Economy: 13.25)
SERIES ANALYSIS & KEY TAKEAWAYS
Series Summary: India Win 4-1
India completed a dominant 4-1 series victory over New Zealand, losing only the 4th T20I in Visakhapatnam. This comprehensive series win extends India’s remarkable run to 12 consecutive T20I series/tournament victories – a streak that started before their 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.
Match-by-Match Results
1st T20I – Nagpur: India won by 48 runs (India 238/7, NZ 190/7)
2nd T20I – Raipur: India won by 7 wickets (NZ 208/6, India 209/1)
3rd T20I – Guwahati: India won by 8 wickets (NZ 153/9, India 155/2)
4th T20I – Visakhapatnam: New Zealand won by 50 runs (NZ 215/7, India 165)
5th T20I – Thiruvananthapuram: India won by 46 runs (India 271/5, NZ 225)
Statistical Highlights & Records
India’s Dominant Records
• India sealed the series 4-1 – their 12th consecutive T20I series/tournament win
• India posted 271/5 in the 5th T20I – their third-highest T20I total
• India hit 23 sixes in 5th T20I – equalling their record for most sixes in an innings
• India scored 238, 209, 155, 165, and 271 – averaging 207.6 runs per innings
Individual Milestones – Series
• Ishan Kishan: Maiden T20I century (103 off 43) in 5th T20I
• Shivam Dube: India’s third-fastest T20I fifty (15 balls) in 4th T20I
• Arshdeep Singh: Maiden T20I five-wicket haul (5/28) in 5th T20I
• Suryakumar Yadav: Crossed 3,000 T20I runs during the series
• Abhishek Sharma: Scored 84, 0, 68*, 0, 30 – total 182 runs with 3 fifties
Perfect Preparation for T20 World Cup 2026
This series served as the perfect final preparation for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7 in India. The defending champions have shown they are firing on all cylinders.
India’s Strengths Heading into World Cup
1. Incredible Batting Depth: From Abhishek Sharma’s explosive starts to Ishan Kishan’s century, Suryakumar Yadav’s consistency, and Hardik Pandya’s finishing – India has multiple match-winners.
2. World-Class Bowling Attack: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh (now with a five-for), Varun Chakravarthy (world No. 1 T20I bowler), and spinners like Axar Patel provide multiple options.
3. Flexibility: India experimented successfully throughout the series, testing combinations and giving fringe players opportunities. This depth will be crucial in the World Cup.
4. Winning Mentality: 12 consecutive series/tournament wins show a team that knows how to win under pressure and in different conditions.
New Zealand’s Takeaways
New Zealand showed glimpses of brilliance – particularly Tim Seifert’s 62, Finn Allen’s 80, and the 4th T20I victory. Mitchell Santner’s captaincy and bowling were positives. However, their inconsistency and inability to build sustained pressure on India are concerns heading into the World Cup.
Conclusion: India Ready to Defend World Cup Title
India’s 4-1 series victory over New Zealand was comprehensive and emphatic. From Abhishek Sharma’s explosive batting to Ishan Kishan’s maiden century, from Jasprit Bumrah’s consistency to Arshdeep Singh’s five-for, India showcased their complete arsenal.
The series also resolved some selection dilemmas: Ishan Kishan’s century made a strong case for his inclusion, Shivam Dube proved his worth as a finisher, and the bowling attack looks settled with multiple options for different conditions.
As the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, India looks like the team to beat. Their 12-match winning streak in series/tournaments, combined with the depth and firepower demonstrated in this series, makes them overwhelming favorites to defend their title on home soil.
For New Zealand, the 4th T20I victory and individual performances from Seifert, Allen, and Santner provide hope. But they’ll need to find greater consistency and better strategies to counter quality spin if they are to make a deep run in the World Cup.
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SERIES SUMMARY
Final Series Result: India won 4-1
Player of the Series: Abhishek Sharma (182 runs in 5 matches)
Top Run Scorers: Abhishek Sharma (IND) – 182 runs | Glenn Phillips (NZ) – 126 runs
Top Wicket Takers: Varun Chakravarthy (IND) – 15 wickets | Mitchell Santner (NZ) – 7 wickets
Next Assignment: T20 World Cup 2026 begins February 7 in India