ODI 4: New Zealand destroys India by dominating 244 runs
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Mount Maunganui: New Zealand delivered a stunning blow to India in the fourth ODI, crushing the visitors by 244 runs after bowling them out for just 89 in pursuit of a 334-run target. The emphatic victory brought the hosts back into the five-match series, reducing India's lead to 2-1. With the third match abandoned due to rain, New Zealand can now level the series by winning the final game, according to reports.
Matt Henry spearheaded the demolition with a devastating spell of six for 27, tearing through India's top order in a remarkable opening over. Rohit Sharma edged the first ball to Finn Allen at slip, before Henry bowled Virat Kohli with the fifth delivery. Shreyas Iyer was trapped leg-before soon afterwards, leaving India reeling at zero for three after the first over.
The collapse continued when Ruturaj Gaikwad departed for five, reducing India to nine for four. Although Ishan Kishan scored 27, Axar Patel made 21, and Naman Dhir contributed another 21, the visitors failed to recover from the early damage. India's innings folded for 89 in 26.4 overs, with Henry receiving strong support from the rest of the New Zealand attack.
Earlier, New Zealand had been bowled out for 333 in 50 overs after being sent in to bat. Will Young anchored the innings with a commanding 125 off 108 balls, including 14 fours and four sixes. Tim Seifert provided an aggressive start with 58 off 48 deliveries, as the pair added 85 runs for the opening wicket. Finn Allen also contributed 41 from 30 balls.
India's bowlers managed to make inroads in the middle overs, with Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar and Axar Patel claiming two wickets each. Arshdeep Singh and Naman Dhir took one apiece, but could not prevent New Zealand from posting a formidable total.
The fifth and final ODI is scheduled for Sunday, November 15. New Zealand will look to draw the series, while India will aim to secure the contest after surrendering their commanding early advantage.