NZ vs IND 4th ODI: Matt Henry’s six-wicket haul takes New Zealand to 244-run win

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India suffered a heavy 244-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth ODI at Mount Maunganui on Friday after a dramatic batting collapse saw the visitors bundled out for just 89 in 26.4 overs while chasing 334. Despite the setback, India retain a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Pacer Matt Henry spearheaded the hosts’ attack with sensational figures of 6/27 in 9.4 overs, dismantling India’s top order in a triple-wicket maiden first over. Henry dismissed Rohit Sharma for a golden duck off the opening delivery, trapped Virat Kohli for a four-ball duck, and removed Shreyas Iyer off the final ball to leave India reeling at 0/3.

Kyle Jamieson (1/12) soon dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad for five, leaving India struggling at 26/4 after 10 overs. Ishan Kishan (27 off 53) and Axar Patel (21 off 36) offered brief resistance with a 44-run stand before Matthew Fisher (3/31) broke through in the 18th over. Henry and Fisher tore through the tail, dismissing Auqib Nabi (5), Kuldeep Yadav (1), Naman Dhir (21 off 24), despite back-to-back sixes, and Gurnoor Brar (2).

Will Young’s century took New Zealand to 333

Earlier, after India opted to field first, Will Young and Tim Seifert laid a brisk foundation with an 85-run opening stand. Dropped twice off Nabi in the second over, Seifert struck a maiden 39-ball fifty before falling to Brar for 58 off 48 balls (six fours, three sixes).

After Axar Patel stumped Nick Kelly (4) and Nabi removed Dean Foxcroft to reduce New Zealand to 125/3, Young forged a pivotal 90-run partnership with Finn Allen (41 off 30). Young reached his fifth ODI century, and his first against India, off 88 deliveries, finishing with 125 off 108 balls (14 fours, four sixes) before falling to Naman Dhir.

Late contributions from Mitchell Santner (24), Kristian Clarke (22), and Kyle Jamieson (19*) carried New Zealand to 333 in 50 overs. Axar Patel led India’s bowling with 2/39, while Nabi (2/59) and Brar (2/69) claimed two wickets apiece. 

Despite the loss, India retain a 2-1 lead in the series with the fifth and final ODI scheduled on Sunday. The ODI series will be followed by a two-match Test series.

(With inputs from agencies)

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