Team India suffered a heavy 244-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth ODI at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. Chasing 334 runs, India were bowled out for just 89 in 26.4 overs.
Despite the defeat, India still lead the five match ODI series 2-1. The third ODI was abandoned due to rain, while India had won the first two matches. New Zealand’s win in the fourth game has kept the series alive ahead of the final ODI.
Matt Henry was the star with the ball, taking six wickets for 27 runs. He dismissed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer for ducks in the first over itself.
India’s batting problems have become a major concern in this series. Across their three completed innings, Virat Kohli’s 74 in the first ODI remains the only half century by an Indian batter.
The Indian batters have struggled against New Zealand’s pace attack. Swing, seam movement and bounce have caused problems, while poor footwork has made it difficult for them to get into the right position.
Ishan Kishan top-scored with 27 runs, while Axar Patel and Naman Dhir added 21 each. Matthew Fisher also picked up three wickets, and no other Indian batter reached double figures.
Earlier, Will Young scored 125 off 108 balls, while Tim Seifert made 58 and Finn Allen added 41 as New Zealand posted 333 runs in 50 overs.
After the match, head coach Gautam Gambhir admitted that getting bowled out for 89 was a concern. He said there were no unplayable deliveries in international cricket and that Indian batters should have been able to handle Matt Henry’s bowling.
Gambhir also pointed out that India had lost seven wickets in the previous match. With the final ODI still to come and the 2027 World Cup approaching, India’s repeated struggles against pace bowling remain a serious concern.
