In a strategic experiment aimed at preparing t20 world cup 2026, IndiaMajor run-streak halted 4th T20I against new zealand On January 28, 2026 in Visakhapatnam. After securing three consecutive wins to clinch the series, the hosts suffered a 50-run defeat after being bowled out for 165 while chasing a mammoth target of 216.
Suryakumar Yadav reveals why India decided to bat second and go with 6 specialist batsmen
Captain after the match Suryakumar Yadav It turned out that the decision to bowl first and field a small batting lineup was a deliberate ‘challenge’ for the team. Yadav explained that the team deliberately played with only six specialist batsmen and five front-line bowlers to simulate high-pressure World Cup scenarios.
“I think we deliberately played six batsmen today. We wanted five best bowlers and wanted to challenge ourselves. For example, if we are chasing 200 or 180, and we want to see what it looks like if we are behind by two or three. But then at the end of the day it is fine. And we wanted to play all the players who are part of the World Cup squad. Otherwise, we would have played with other players. (Batting second position “We’ve been batting really well when we’ve batted before so I want people to take responsibility for how we bat if we’re chasing 180 or 200 and two wickets or three wickets have fallen, so hopefully if we get a chance again in the next game we can chase down the target again.” Suryakumar Yadav said after the game.
Despite the defeat, India retain a 3-1 lead in the series entering the final match in Thiruvananthapuram. This is their last dress rehearsal before the World Cup starts on February 7.
Also read: Fans react to Shivam Dubey’s courageous innings failure
New Zealand’s dominance against India in the fourth T20 match
The Black Caps posted a massive score of 215/7, with a blistering 100-run opening partnership between the two. Tim Seifert (36 out of 62) and devon conway (23 of 44). Despite India retreating Jasprit Bumrah And -Kuldeep Yadavlate bloomer darryl mitchell (39 off 18)*, which included 19 runs in the 19th over from Bumrah, took the Kiwis past 200.
In reply, India’s target soon faltered. Abhishek Sharma Became the victim of a golden duck, while the captain himself could score only 8 runs. Shivam Dubey The only bright spot was Joe, who scored a career-best 65 off 23 balls (including seven sixes), and brought up his half-century in just 15 balls. However, his unfortunate run-out at the non-striker’s end effectively ended India’s hopes, as the tail quickly folded under pressure. michel santner (3/26).
