Ind vs NZ 4th T20 : Seifert Shows How Its Done as Kiwis Win
The Ind vs NZ 4th T20 delivered a rare sight in Indian conditions as New Zealand produced a complete performance to hand India a 50-run defeat in Visakhapatnam. On a surface made for batting, the visitors posted a towering 215 before their bowlers dismantled India’s chase with relentless discipline. Tim Seifert’s blistering powerplay set the tone, while Mitchell Santner’s control through the middle overs ensured India never truly recovered, bringing an end to the hosts’ dominant run in the series.
Match Summary
Ind vs NZ 4th T20: India vs New Zealand
4th T20I • New Zealand tour of India 2026 • Visakhapatnam
The Ind vs NZ 4th T20 saw momentum swing decisively away from India for the first time in the series. New Zealand’s openers stormed to their fastest-ever T20I century stand against India, laying the foundation for a massive total of 215/7. Despite India’s reputation for chasing big scores, early wickets and sustained pressure from New Zealand’s bowlers left them chasing the game throughout. Shivam Dube’s late assault briefly reignited hopes, but Santner’s timely breakthroughs and sharp fielding sealed a comprehensive win. It marked New Zealand’s first T20I victory over India since September 2023.
Playing XI
New Zealand
Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
India
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah
Innings Breakdown
Ind vs NZ 4th T20 – First Innings: Seifert's 25-ball Fifty Sets the Base
The Ind vs NZ 4th T20 exploded into life as Tim Seifert unleashed a brutal assault during the powerplay. Alongside Devon Conway, he powered New Zealand to 71 without loss in six overs — their highest-ever powerplay score against India. Seifert raced to a 25-ball fifty, punishing pace and spin alike, while Conway played the perfect foil. Kuldeep Yadav finally broke the 105-run opening stand, triggering a brief slowdown. However, Daryl Mitchell’s late surge ensured New Zealand crossed 210, finishing on 215/7 — their second-highest T20I total against India.
Ind vs NZ 4th T20 – Second Innings: Santner Spins the Game Away
India’s chase in the Ind vs NZ 4th T20 unraveled almost immediately. Matt Henry struck with the very first ball, removing Abhishek Sharma, before Jacob Duffy dismissed Suryakumar Yadav with a stunning caught-and-bowled effort. Sanju Samson showed intent but once again failed to convert his start, bowled by Santner. With wickets tumbling, Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube attempted a rebuild, but the asking rate kept climbing. Dube’s explosive 15-ball fifty briefly ignited the crowd, yet his run-out proved decisive. Santner and Sodhi tightened the noose, bowling India out for 162 and sealing a dominant 50-run win.
Top Performers
Tim Seifert: 62 off 36 - Player of the Match
Tim Seifert was the heartbeat of New Zealand’s success in the Ind vs NZ 4th T20, producing his most complete innings of the series. Attacking from the outset, Seifert took on Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh with fearless intent, finding boundaries even through mistimed edges early on. Once settled, his strokeplay became increasingly authoritative. His 62 off 36 balls included seven fours and three sixes, and his 25-ball fifty equalled the fastest by a New Zealand batter against India in T20Is. Seifert’s knock didn’t just provide runs — it shattered India’s new-ball control and set the tone for a statement performance.
Mitchell Santner: 3/26 & Tactical Brilliance
Mitchell Santner delivered a captain’s performance in the Ind vs NZ 4th T20, orchestrating the defence of 215 with intelligence and precision. Introduced early, Santner immediately struck by bowling Sanju Samson with a flatter delivery that skidded through. He later deceived Hardik Pandya in flight and returned at the death to claim crucial wickets, finishing with figures of 3 for 26. Beyond the numbers, Santner’s calm leadership, clever field placements, and ability to adapt his pace to the tacky surface proved decisive. His spell broke India’s momentum and ensured the pressure never eased during the chase.
Shivam Dube: 65 off 23 in Vain
6⃣5⃣ off just 23 deliveries 👌👌
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 28, 2026
End of a blistering knock from Shivam Dube 👏👏
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/GVkrQKKyd6 #TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/L1FKjze4VI
Even in defeat, Shivam Dube produced a knock that lit up the Ind vs NZ 4th T20. Walking in with India in deep trouble, Dube counter-attacked with astonishing power, smashing seven sixes and three fours in a 23-ball onslaught. His 15-ball fifty became the third-fastest by an Indian batter in T20Is, and for a brief window, it felt like India might pull off another miracle chase. However, with partners falling around him, Dube’s run-out at the non-striker’s end brought a dramatic end to India’s resistance. It was a reminder of his match-winning potential in high-pressure situations.
What This Result Means
The Ind vs NZ 4th T20 result adds a significant chapter to the series narrative. While India still lead 3-1, the defeat exposed areas that require attention ahead of the T20 World Cup — particularly early-order stability when chasing big totals. For New Zealand, this win is far more than a consolation. It ends a long drought against top-tier opponents and restores belief within a transitioning squad. Defending 215 in India is no small feat, and this performance offers New Zealand a blueprint moving forward. With one match left, momentum has finally shifted, setting up an intriguing series finale.
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