On Wednesday, January 28, New Zealand defeated India by 50 runs at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam in the fourth Twenty20 International in the ongoing five-match series. It was a dead rubber, given India’s insurmountable 3-0 advantage heading into the game.
After batting first, the Black Caps concluded on 215/7 in 20 overs. Openers Tim Seifert (62 off 36) and Devon Conway (44 off 23) helped the visitors get off to a fast start.
Daryl Mitchell came on late in the innings, scoring 39 runs off 18 balls. Pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh took two wickets each.
India’s run chase began disastrously, with opener Abhishek Sharma scoring a golden duck. The hosts were losing wickets at regular intervals. However, Shivam Dube delivered a brave performance under pressure.
The southpaw scored 65 runs off 23 deliveries before being run out at the non-striker’s end. India were eventually bowled out for 165. Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand captain, bowled a stunning spell of 4-0-26-3.
Here, we look at three instances from the game that caused a stir among fans.
1. Shivam Dube’s massive onslaught against Ish Sodhi Ocean of Cricket
Not even an accomplished spinner like Ish Sodhi appeared to have any ideas against Shivam Dube’s hitting power. The all-rounder has a reputation for being unforgiving against spinners in the format.
He was back to his best, and Sodhi copped the brunt. Dube played four and two boundaries making 22 in the bowler’s previous over of the run chase.
To add insult to injury, Sodhi also bowled a wide and bled 29 runs off six deliveries.
Dube struck two more sixes in the next over to reach the 50-run milestone off just 15 balls. He struck the third-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian batsman.
2. Hardik Pandya’s brilliance on the field gets India their much-needed breakthrough
Hardik Pandya was not required to bowl a single over in the match as India opted for five frontline bowlers. But he had a solution for that as well, Virat came up with an amazing direct hit to get through the gates.
Mitchell Santner edged the first ball of Jasprit Bumrah to wicketkeeper. The ball pinged to thirdman where Hardik Pandya moved to gather.
Santner went for an immediate run. Hardik was quick on his feet, picked the ball and threw it at the non-striker’s end to hit the stumps. The New Zealand skipper was run out and forced to leave the park after a fiery 11 runs off six balls.
3. Devon Conway’s stunning catch to dismiss in-form Abhishek Sharma for a golden duck
New Zealand made a dream start with the ball as they removed the dangerous Abhishek Sharma without troubling the scorers. Matt Henry opened the bowling with a full delivery on the stumps.
Eager to attack early, Abhishek charged down the track and swung hard. However, he failed to middle the ball, which ballooned straight into the air.
Devon Conway then produced a sensational diving catch at deep backward point to end Abhishek’s brief stay at the crease.
The fifth and final T20I of the series takes place at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, January 31.
