An exceptional show from New Zealand all thanks to Will Young’s 125 and Player of the Match Matt Henry’s 6/27 ensured they won the fourth ODI by 244 runs versus India at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. 

A flying start, courtesy Kiwi openers Will Young-Tim Seifert

Will Young and Tim Seifert got the Kiwis off to a perfect start, stitching together a crucial 85 runs opening stand. The duo looked in complete control from the very first over. They found the gaps with ease and smashed some big hits out of the park. Will’s composure at the crease while Seifert’ trade mark stylish shots, put the Indian bowlers under pressure. This partnership gave the Black Caps early momentum and thus set the tone for the innings ahead. At the 10 overs mark, the hosts were 72/0. Tim Seifert was later caught by Ishan Kishan on 58(48). 

Hitman turns superman, pulls off a blinder…

Just when it looked like Fin Allen seemed to be getting the better of the Indian bowlers, Axar Patel struck with a good length delivery. Our very own Ro-Hitman Sharma pulled off a stunning superman catch at covers. A great two-handed diving catch to his right ensured the entire Indian contingent were full of smiles as Allen was dismissed on 41(30).

Will Young’s magnificent ton, leads the Kiwi charge!

Will Young was in a league of his own as he brought up a great century, his fifth in ODI’s and maiden ton versus India. From building the innings with patience to switching gears, he showcased the perfect blend of class and command. He smashed all the shots in his armory, a statement of intent and a knock to remember for the ages. Naman Dhir finally snapped up Will’s wicket, as he perished on 125, laced with 14 fours and four sixes.

A sprint, a dive and a DHIR-IFIC catch… 

One of the best fielders in modern day cricket, Naman Dhir on the field was electric. He took an outstanding catch running in from the deep, kept his eyes on the ball till the last second and pouched it cleanly with both hands diving forward. Michael Bracewell looked clearly disappointed as he walked back to the pavilion. At this stage the Kiwis were 258/6 in 37.5 overs.

Mitchell Santner, Clarke and Jamieson chipped in with valuable contributions lower down the order as New Zealand ended with 333 in 50 overs. Axar Patel picked (2/39), Auqib Nabi snapped up (2/59) while Gurnoor Brar grabbed (2/69).

Kiwi bowlers strike early, India on the back foot as Matt Henry grabs six wickets

A dream first over for Matt Henry as he picked up the wickets of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. Kyle Jamieson then sent Ruturaj Gaikwad back to the pavilion as India were 9/4 in 5.3 overs.

Unfortunately, none of the other batters were able to score big runs as wickets kept falling at regular intervals. New Zealand looked to put up a fight and that is exactly what they did till the very end of the game.  India could never recover and were bundled out for 89 in 26.4 overs. Matt Henry was the star of the show, with a sensational (6/27).

Brief Scores

New Zealand: 333 all out in 50 overs (Will Young 125, Tim Seifert 58; Axar Patel 2/39) won against India: 89 all out in 26.4 overs (Ishan Kishan 27; Matt Henry 6/27) by 244 runs.