The India vs New Zealand 4th T20I in Visakhapatnam had fans on the edge of their seats as it turned out to be an epic batting performance and then a depressing bowling fiasco to India – yet was it bad strategy or the brilliant execution by the opponents?
Author: Akshita Jain | EQMint | Sports News
The 4th T20I between India and New Zealand was played in a high-voltage match in the ACA-VDCA Cricket stadium Visakhapatnam, whereby New Zealand won by a stunning 50-run margin, drawing the 5-match series to a 3-1 tie with only one game to play. It was a pyrotechnic, shock-filled, and one of the most firecracker-filled individual innings that the fans of IND vs NZ 4th T20I have ever experienced, but the IND vs NZ 4th T20I has raised a lot of questions in the minds of the fans about the strategy employed by India in the chase, and their order of batting.
New Zealand Establishes Gigantic Total
India also won the toss and chose to bowl first, but this decision was soon put to the test as the New Zealand batting exploded. The Kiwis had a very impressive 215/7 in 21 overs that was fuelled by incisive batting at the front.
- Tim Seifert was on the offensive as he struck 62 out of 36 balls and hit the boundaries at will.
- Devon Conway was giving good support of 44 off 23, as New Zealand raced to 100 runs on 50 balls only.
- Daryl Mitchell and low-order batters contributed vital runs at the end, which took the overall score far beyond the expectations of many on the Visakhapatnam wicket.
- Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi had earlier made similar contributions to the ball during an earlier part of the match to interrupt the early momentum of India before the Kiwis had the full reign.
2nd Innings
India went out in pursuit of 216 with hope, but it soon went adrift into misery. Partnerships were not consistent, and they lost wickets frequently, which weakened their chase. India finally got bowled out at 165 in 18.4 overs, well below the target of 50 runs.
But wow, did one player stand out. It was a sight to watch Shivam Dube brutally attack his opponent with 65 off 23 balls, making seven sixes. He also hit the third-fastest T20I half-century by a table Indian, hitting bowlers with a frenzied rage around the park.
The big question that lingers is whether the batting debacle in India was merely a matter of technique, mentality, or too much too late.
The other batting line performed poorly despite the explosive cameo of Dube. Rinku Singh contributed with a tough 39 off 30 balls, yet the repeated loss of wickets did not allow him to make long strides.
Bowling and Fielding: Mixed Fortunes
Bowlers of India had initial success on the bat of New Zealand but failed to sustain. Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav contributed two wickets, but the visitors equalised each breakthrough with important alliances and huge hits.
The spectacle of Fielding was a hit too–and particularly the marvelous bullseye-throw of Hardik Pandya, which gave impulse to the crowd and raised a momentary expectation of a sensational comeback.
Tactical Discussion: Throwback Decisions?
India has bowled first, which has brought controversy among fans and analysts. There have been some complaints that Visakhapatnam had a pitch that was biased to the chasing team, and others have questioned the fact that India had too loose intents in their bowling plans. Did the captain get it right? Or was it a tactical flunky reading that cost India very much?
In any case, the batting performance of New Zealand was quite strong and tested the bowlers of India in all stages.
What It Means for the Series
New Zealand has taken this IND vs NZ 4th T20I win, which has given them their first defeat in this T20I series, and with this, there remains the hope of an exciting comeback. India still leads the series, but it must ensure that it pulls together before the final and the 5th T20I.
Fan Reactions and What’s Next
There was a lot of discussion through social media: some fans criticized India for its inconsistent batting, and others praised the sheer power of Dube’s hitting. Such questions as, why not promote Dube sooner? and “Did the shape of Sanju Samson seem such a determining influence in the collapse? dominated conversations.
Both teams will be looking to shake off the disappointment to play an epic finale as the teams head to Thiruvananthapuram to take the series decider.
India vs New Zealand 4 th T20I provided the drama, power hitting, tactical Positions and unresolved questions – all the ingredients of a classic T20 game that the fans are going to discuss until the next game.
For more such updates visit EQMint
Resource Link : ICE
