In the third T20I match, Shami’s last over was the game-changer. Similarly, in the fourth T20I match, Shardul Thakur’s last overturned the table. In the last over New Zealand needed 7 runs, Thakur picked two wickets of set batsman Ross Taylor and Seifert while two players were run out in his over which led the game to super over.
And, this time again skipper Virat Kohli gave the ball to Jasprit Bumrah in the super over. New Zealand set the target of 13 runs while they also lost the wicket of Seifert in the one-over eliminator. In reply, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli came to bat. Rahul struck a six and four before losing his wicket. But Kohli finished the game. He scored a four to hand India fourth consecutive victory.
New Zealand vs India 2020: 4th T20I-India set the target of 166 runs:
India didn’t have a good start in the fourth T20I match. Indian skipper Virat Kohli lost the toss and was asked to bat first. Rohit Sharma being rested, Sanju Samson was given the chance as an opener in the final XI.
He started his innings with a powerful six but soon after was sent back to the dressing room. It was a golden opportunity for him but he failed to utilize it. After playing a loose shot, Samson was out on 8 runs at 5 balls.
Soon, Virat Kohli also lost his wicket as Mitchell Santner took a stunner catch to dismiss the skipper. Also, the set batsman KL Rahul lost his wicket, leaving India to struggle at 75-4. Subsequently, the middle-order struggled to deliver. Shreyas Iyer, who has been the match finisher for India in the 1st and 2nd game, lost his wicket after scoring just one run. While Washington Sundar, who was benched in the first three games, was out on a duck.
However, Manish Pandey, who has remained not out in the last three games, scored an unbeaten 50 although he got a little support from the lower order. Allrounder Shivam Dube(12), Pacer Shardul Thakur (20) and Navdeep Saini (11) contributed to the 166-run target given to New Zealand.
New Zealand Spinner Ish Sodhi was the most successful bowler as he picked three-wicket in four overs with an economy rate of 6.5. Mitchell Santner was good at the field as he picked two catches and picked one wicket.
Munro and Seifert’s half-century went to vein:
Pacer Tim Southee led the New Zealand team because skipper Kane Williamson was ruled out as he picked up the shoulder injury in the third T20I match.
Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah created the pressure from the start as he picked the wicket of New Zealand opener Martin Guptill (4). Colin Munro (64) and wicket-keeper batsman Seifert (57) set up a strong partnership. But it was broken by Virat Kohli’s remarkable stumping as Munro lost his wicket.
New Zealand players might be disappointed. After giving a tough fight, the host can not register the victory in the consecutive fourth T20I match.
India’s innings:
New Zealand’s Innings:
Consecutive defeat in super over has proved that New Zealand are unlucky in winning a one-over eliminator. However, the host will surely like to win the last and fifth T20I match on 2nd February.