Daijiworld Media Network - Auckland
Auckland, Oct 29: India will take on New Zealand in the fourth T20 International of the five-match series at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, October 30, aiming to extend their winning run after sealing the series with three consecutive victories.
The match will begin at 12.30 pm Indian Standard Time, with the toss scheduled for 12 noon. India have taken an unassailable 3-0 lead and will now look to strengthen their dominance and keep the possibility of a 5-0 series sweep alive. New Zealand, meanwhile, will be eager to register their first win of the series and regain confidence in front of their home crowd.
India won the opening T20I in Christchurch by four wickets after chasing down New Zealand's total of 225 for four, reaching 230 for six in 19.4 overs. The visitors followed it up with another four-wicket victory in the second match at the same venue, chasing a target of 181 after New Zealand posted 180 for five.
The third T20I in Wellington saw another high-scoring contest. New Zealand scored 198 for three in their 20 overs, with Daryl Mitchell making a significant contribution. India responded with an aggressive batting display and reached 199 for four in 13.2 overs to win by six wickets and secure the series with two matches remaining.
India's batting has been a major strength throughout the series, with Abhishek Sharma among the leading run-scorers. The team will aim to maintain its attacking approach, while the bowling unit will look to restrict New Zealand more effectively after the hosts managed to post substantial totals in the first three matches.
New Zealand will need a stronger bowling performance to challenge the visitors. The hosts will also hope their batters can convert promising starts into match-winning contributions as they attempt to avoid a series whitewash. Eden Park's conditions could make the contest competitive, with both sides looking to make the most of the penultimate match.
New Zealand have also suffered an injury setback ahead of the fourth T20I, with fast bowler Lockie Ferguson ruled out of the remainder of the series due to a right-calf injury, according to reports. His absence could further test the hosts' bowling resources.
The fifth and final T20 International will be played at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday, November 1. The remaining matches will give New Zealand an opportunity to salvage pride, while India will look to complete a clean sweep before the teams move on to the next stages of the tour.