India suffered their heaviest defeat in ODIs in 26 years after being bowled out for just 89 by New Zealand in the fourth ODI at Bay Oval on Friday. Chasing a target of 334, India lost three of their most experienced batters for ducks in the opening over, with Matt Henry producing a devastating spell to put the hosts firmly in control.
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and stand-in captain Shreyas Iyer were all dismissed without scoring in Henry’s opening over. The New Zealand pacer went on to claim six wickets, leaving India with little chance of mounting a recovery. Only three Indian batters managed to reach double figures as the visitors were dismissed for 89.
The result gives New Zealand a 2-1 scoreline in the series, with one match remaining. The hosts have now kept the contest alive after India had taken an early lead.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 333 in their allotted 50 overs after India elected to field. Opener Will Young led the innings with a career-best 125, making the most of two early reprieves in the second over. Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan dropped catches off consecutive deliveries, allowing Young to continue and build a substantial innings.
Tim Seifert provided an aggressive start with 58 off 48 balls before Kishan took a diving catch to end his knock. Finn Allen added 41 off 30 deliveries but fell short of a half-century after Rohit pulled off an excellent catch.
India’s bowling effort was led by Axar Patel, Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi, who picked up two wickets each. Arshdeep Singh and Naman Dhir claimed one wicket apiece, but Young’s century helped New Zealand set India a challenging target of 334.
India’s batting collapse, however, meant the chase ended well short of the target, handing New Zealand a comprehensive victory and setting up a series decider in the final ODI.
