Shivam Dube’s blistering half-century proved insufficient as India suffered a 50-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth T20I on Wednesday, allowing the visitors to reduce the margin to 3–1 in the five-match series. Chasing a steep target of 216, India were bowled out for 165 despite Dube’s extraordinary counterattack in an otherwise faltering batting display.

India’s chase got off to a disastrous start with Abhishek Sharma falling to the first ball of the innings and Suryakumar Yadav departing soon after, leaving the hosts reeling at 9 for 2. With Ishan Kishan sidelined due to an unspecified injury, the responsibility fell on the middle order, but Rinku Singh and Sanju Samson struggled to lift the scoring rate during a cautious rebuild.

The innings came alive through Dube, who produced a fearless knock of 65 off just 23 balls, including seven sixes. He single-handedly kept India’s hopes alive, notably smashing 29 runs in one over off leg-spinner Ish Sodhi and bringing up his fifty in just 15 deliveries. However, support at the other end was minimal, and a run-out eventually ended Dube’s stay, effectively sealing India’s fate.

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Earlier, New Zealand laid the foundation for victory through a dominant opening stand led by Tim Seifert. The right-hander struck a fluent 62 off 36 balls as the visitors raced to 71 without loss in the power play. Devon Conway provided solid backing with 44, and although India pulled things back briefly with wickets in the middle overs, New Zealand maintained momentum.

After the top order departed, Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 39 off 18 balls powered New Zealand past the 200 mark, helping them post a formidable 215 for 7. India’s bowlers were disciplined in patches but struggled to contain the early onslaught and late acceleration.

With one match remaining in the series, India will look to regroup after a performance that highlighted both New Zealand’s batting depth and their own reliance on individual brilliance in a high-pressure chase.

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