In a high-octane encounter at Visakhapatnam, the fourth T20 International between India and New Zealand witnessed a display of raw power from Shivam Dube, who scorched a half-century in just 15 deliveries. However, despite his heroic efforts to chase down a daunting target, the hosts succumbed to a 50-run defeat. Notwithstanding this loss, India maintains a commanding 3-1 lead in the five-match series.
The Dube Hurricane
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the 14th over, where Dube took aim at leg-spinner Ish Sodhi. After a cautious two runs off the first ball, the left-hander unleashed a sequence of 4, 6, 4, 6, 6, plundering 28 runs in a single over. His 15-ball fifty stands as the third-fastest by an Indian in T20 Internationals, trailing only Yuvraj Singh (12 balls) and teammate Abhishek Sharma (14 balls).
Tragedy struck in the 15th over when Dube was dismissed in the most unfortunate fashion. A straight drive from partner Harshit Rana deflected off the fingers of bowler Matt Henry and struck the non-striker’s stumps, catching Dube inches out of his crease. He departed for a blistering 65 off 23 balls, decorated with seven sixes.
Kiwis Find Their Form
Earlier, the Black Caps set a formidable total of 215/7, built on a blistering opening partnership of 100 runs between Tim Seifert and Devon Conway. Seifert’s aggressive 62 provided the backbone of the innings, while Daryl Mitchell’s late cameo ensured the Kiwis posted a total that ultimately proved out of reach for the Indian middle order.
| Player | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate | Impact |
| Shivam Dube (IND) | 65 | 23 | 282.60 | 7 Sixes; 15-ball 50 |
| Tim Seifert (NZ) | 62 | 36 | 172.22 | Match-winning start |
| Daryl Mitchell (NZ) | 39* | 18 | 216.66 | Late-innings flourish |
| Mitchell Santner (NZ) | 3/26 | 4 Overs | 6.50 (Econ) | Stifled the chase |
The Chase Falters
India’s pursuit started disastrously, losing the prolific Abhishek Sharma for a golden duck. Captain Suryakumar Yadav followed shortly after, leaving the hosts reeling at 9/2. While Sanju Samson (24) and Rinku Singh (39) offered resistance, the lower order collapsed following Dube’s freak run-out. India lost their final four wickets for just 20 runs, eventually being bowled out for 165.
Summary Scorecard:
New Zealand: 215/7 in 20 overs (Seifert 62, Conway 44, Mitchell 39*; Arshdeep 2/33).
India: 165 all out in 18.3 overs (Dube 65, Rinku 39; Santner 3/26).
Result: New Zealand won by 50 runs. Man of the Match: Tim Seifert.