India slumped to a stunning 244-run defeat in the fourth ODI against New Zealand in Tauranga on Friday, copping their one of the heaviest defeats in ODI history in terms of runs. Chasing a monumental target of 334, India were overpowered by New Zealand's pace spearhead Matt Henry, who ripped through India's top order in a stunning opening over. Henry inflicted a devastating blow by removing stars Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and stand-in skipper Shreyas Iyer in the opening over.
That collapse put New Zealand on top, leaving the Indian batting line-up with an enormous mountain to climb. Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan mustered some courage to score 27 and 21 runs, respectively. But Henry, returning for his second spell, delivered a harder blow, bowling India out for 89 in 26.4 overs – the sixth-lowest ODI total ever for India.
Earlier, New Zealand put on a magnificent batting performance to post 333 runs in 50 overs after being asked to bat. Opener Will Young unleashed a powerful assault, scoring 125 and registering the highest individual score of his career.
Young had a narrow escape early in his innings when India missed two chances in consecutive deliveries during the second over. Both Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan failed to hold on to catches, handing Young lifelines. Tim Seifert also scored an incredible knock of 58. Not to forget, Finn Allen too chipped in with 41 off 30.