The fourth T20I between India and New Zealand kicked off with the hosts winning the toss at Visakhapatnam’s iconic ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. Opting to chase under lights, captain Suryakumar Yadav signaled business as usual in their series conquest.
Ishan Kishan sat out with a minor injury, replaced by the fiery Arshdeep Singh. Suryakumar elaborated, ‘Heavy dew in nets yesterday influenced our choice. We aim to build on positives and give fans a show. Arshdeep fills in admirably.’
New Zealand shuffled too, preferring Jack Fox over Kyle Jamieson. Santner commented, ‘Pitch looks batting-friendly with dew around. We’re targeting a strong score despite absences like Lockie Ferguson and Bracewell.’
India’s series story is one of utter control: first match by 48 runs, second by seven wickets, third by eight in Indore. Their 2024 T20 record? An impeccable 11 straight series wins.
The Kiwis have lost their last nine T20s to India, Australia, and England. In 28 clashes total, India wins 15, NZ 10, ties 3 (India 2-1 in supers).
India lineup: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson†, Suryakumar Yadav*, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.
NZ lineup: Tim Seifert†, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner*, Jack Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.
Dew could tilt the scales, but India’s bowling attack—led by Bumrah and the spinners—looks primed. New Zealand must bat big early to stand a chance in this do-or-die outing.