Jacob Duffy dismantled India's top order in the opening over by removing Ishan Kishan without scoring and dismissing Sanju Samson for four runs. The decision to bench 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi drew intense scrutiny given his 45-run contribution in the previous encounter. Earlier, New Zealand amassed 257 for seven behind a blistering century from Glenn Phillips and a half-century from Michael Bracewell. Despite the high-scoring onslaught, returning bowler Mayank Yadav led India's attack by claiming three wickets for 48 runs.
Key points
India's tactical changes disrupted top-order momentum during an attempt to complete a cle…: India's tactical changes disrupted top-order momentum during an attempt to complete a clean sweep of the series.
Mayank Yadav emerged as India's most effective bowler on his recall, finishing with three…: Mayank Yadav emerged as India's most effective bowler on his recall, finishing with three wickets for 48 runs.
Leaving out in-form youth like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi backfired immediately under the press…: Leaving out in-form youth like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi backfired immediately under the pressure of a 258-run target.
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NEW DELHI: India's decision to leave out 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and bring back
Ishan Kishan did not go as planned in the fourth T20I against New Zealand at the Eden Park in Auckland. Kishan, who returned after recovering from a groin injury, was dismissed for a duck in the very first over.
New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy struck twice in the opening over, sending both
Sanju Samson and Kishan back to the pavilion. India's decision to drop Sooryavanshi, who scored 45 in the previous match, quickly came under the spotlight.
The move to bring back Kishan was expected to strengthen India's batting. However, the wicketkeeper-batter failed to make an impact on his return.
Ishan's return ends in disappointment
Kishan had missed India's last two T20Is after suffering a low-grade right adductor (groin) strain. His recovery meant he was brought back into the playing XI for the fourth match.
However, his comeback lasted just three balls. Duffy bowled a good-length delivery, and Kishan tried to help it along while sitting down. The ball took the toe-end of his bat and went…
A record-breaking batting masterclass at Eden Park halted the visitors' momentum after they opted to field first in Auckland. Glenn Phillips anchored a historic total that proved completely out of reach once the chase collapsed in the opening over. Although the tour trophy is already secure, the heavy loss exposes top-order vulnerabilities ahead of the series finale.
The Indian national squad is set to receive an important boost as a key top-order specialist concludes her physical rehabilitation process. Following a three-month medical hiatus, the athlete confirmed she has achieved full fitness and is ready to resume active competition. Her return will significantly strengthen the team's lineup ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures.
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