How Did Santner Lead New Zealand to a 50-Run Victory Over India in the 4th T20I?
Synopsis
In a thrilling match, New Zealand secured a 50-run victory against India in the fourth T20I, thanks to Mitchell Santner's three wickets and Shivam Dube's explosive 65 runs. This match marks a significant moment as it sets the tone for the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup. Read on to discover how the match unfolded!
Key Takeaways
Mitchell Santner led New Zealand with three wickets.
Shivam Dube showcased his talent with a remarkable 65 runs.
New Zealand's bowlers maintained effective control throughout the innings.
India's batting order needs restructuring for better performance.
This match serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup.
Visakhapatnam, Jan 28 (NationPress) New Zealand triumphed over India by 50 runs in the fourth T20I at the ACA-VDCA Stadium, with Mitchell Santner taking three wickets, despite Shivam Dube's impressive 65 runs. After setting a target of 215/7, New Zealand left India struggling at 82/5 due to an enforced absence of Ishan Kishan. Dube counter-attacked brilliantly, hitting a rapid 15-ball fifty and concluding his innings with 65 runs off just 23 balls, featuring seven sixes and three fours.
However, his run-out at the non-striker's end, caused by a deflected ball, dashed India's hopes as they were eventually bowled out for 165 in 18.4 overs. In addition to Santner's stellar performance, the New Zealand bowlers exhibited remarkable control, securing their first series win and gaining momentum ahead of the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup, despite a mid-innings collapse and Dube’s late fireworks.
The Indian chase got off to a rocky start as Abhishek Sharma fell on the very first ball, caught by Matt Henry. Suryakumar Yadav followed suit, dismissed by Jacob Duffy for eight runs. Sanju Samson and Rinku Singh tried to stabilize the innings with seven boundaries between them.
The duo added 46 runs before Santner's intervention, bowling out Samson for 24 and then having Hardik Pandya caught at backward point. Rinku continued to look solid until he was trapped by Zak Foulkes, leaving India in a precarious position at 87/5. Enter Dube, who quickly changed the game’s dynamics.
Dube launched a massive 101m six off Santner and attacked Ish Sodhi in the 12th over, scoring 29 runs through four sixes and two fours. After narrowly escaping an lbw, he raced to his fifty in merely 15 balls, marking the third-fastest fifty for India in T20Is. Unfortunately, his innings concluded abruptly when he was run out, silencing the crowd who had been energized by his striking performance. Following his dismissal, the Indian lower order succumbed quickly, as New Zealand celebrated a convincing win.
Brief Scores: New Zealand 215/7 in 20 overs (Tim Seifert 62, Devon Conway 44; Arshdeep Singh 2-33, Kuldeep Yadav 2-39) defeated India 165 all out in 18.4 overs (Shivam Dube 65, Rinku Singh 39; Mitchell Santner 3-26, Jacob Duffy 2-33) by 50 runs.
Point of View
I recognize the significance of this match in shaping the teams' strategies ahead of the Men’s T20 World Cup. New Zealand's victory showcases their depth in bowling and batting, while India must address issues in their batting order to enhance future performances. The match serves as a crucial learning experience for both teams.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the 4th T20I?
New Zealand scored 215/7 and defeated India, who were all out for 165.
Who was the top scorer for India?
Shivam Dube was the top scorer for India with 65 runs.
How many wickets did Mitchell Santner take?
Mitchell Santner took three wickets in the match.
What was the venue for the match?
The match took place at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
Why did India struggle in the match?
India struggled due to early wickets and the absence of Ishan Kishan, which left them with a weakened batting lineup.
