New Zealand thrash India by 244 runs to keep series alive

New Zealand secured a convincing 244-run victory against India in the fourth ODI at Mount Maunganui on Friday, keeping their hopes alive in the five-match series. After being invited to bat first, the hosts posted a total of 333 all out, anchored by a century from opener Will Young.

Young, who faced early luck after being dropped twice in the second over by Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan, went on to score 125 runs off 108 balls. His innings featured 14 boundaries and four sixes. He was supported by Tim Seifert, who contributed a brisk 58 off 48 balls. While India managed a late comeback to restrict the hosts, with Axar Patel taking 2-39, the total remained formidable.

India’s pursuit of 334 collapsed immediately under a barrage of seam bowling from Matt Henry. In a devastating first over, Henry dismissed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer for ducks. The Indian top order struggled to recover, and the team was eventually bundled out for just 89 runs. Ishan Kishan emerged as the top scorer for India with 27.

Henry finished with exceptional figures of 6-27 from his 9.4 overs, supported by Matthew Fisher, who claimed 3-31. According to the Indian Express, India’s spinners struggled to contain the flow of runs during the middle overs, with Kuldeep Yadav conceding over nine runs per over, though Axar Patel provided a more economical spell.

With this win, New Zealand has prevented India from clinching the series prematurely. The two teams are now set to play the final match at the same venue this Sunday, which will determine the overall series outcome.

The third match of this five-match ODI series was previously abandoned due to rain, and New Zealand entered this fourth encounter trailing 2-1.