New Zealand defeated India by 50 runs in the fourth T20I played in Visakhapatnam. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav explained that the team deliberately fielded six batters to give opportunities to World Cup squad members and test challenging situations. Despite Shivam Dube's explosive innings, India was bowled out for 165.
New Zealand posted 215 for seven in 20 overs after batting first in the fourth T20 international at Vizag Stadium in Visakhapatnam on January 29, 2026. Openers Tim Seifert scored 62 off 36 balls and Devon Conway made 44 off 23, adding 100 runs for the first wicket in 8.2 overs. Daryl Mitchell contributed 39 off 18 in the death overs. Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav claimed two wickets each.
Chasing 216, India was all out for 165 in 18.4 overs. Shivam Dube smashed 65 off 23 balls, while Rinku Singh scored a useful 39 off 30. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner was the standout bowler with three for 26 in four overs.
Post-match, Suryakumar Yadav explained the loss, stating, "We deliberately decided to play with six batters. We wanted five perfect bowlers and to challenge ourselves." He added that the team aimed to give chances to all World Cup squad players and test batting in scenarios chasing 180-200 after losing two or three early wickets. Hardik Pandya was used purely as a batter, with Harshit Rana at number seven.
Despite the defeat, former captain Sunil Gavaskar praised Shivam Dube, saying he is no longer just a finisher but a complete T20 World Cup weapon for India, contributing with both bat and ball. India leads the series 3-1.
