India and New Zealand head into the fourth T20I with contrasting momentum, as the hosts have already sealed the series while the visitors search for pride and rhythm ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. With two matches still to play, both teams view this contest as a key rehearsal under competitive conditions.
Match Details
The match is the India vs New Zealand 4th T20I.
The tournament is the New Zealand tour of India 2026.
The date is January 28, 2026.
The venue is Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam.
The teams are India vs New Zealand.
The start time is 7:00 PM IST, 7:00 PM PST, and 2:00 PM GMT.
Team Overview: India
India enter the fourth T20I full of confidence after dominating the series and winning the first three matches convincingly. The batting unit has shown depth and flexibility, with aggressive starts at the top and strong finishing in the middle order. Suryakumar Yadav continues to lead with clarity and intent, allowing younger players to play freely around him. India’s bowling attack has also delivered consistent breakthroughs, particularly in the powerplay and death overs, which has kept New Zealand under pressure throughout the series. With the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, India remain focused on maintaining intensity rather than easing off after clinching the series.
Team Overview: New Zealand
For New Zealand, the fourth T20I represents an opportunity to restore confidence after three consecutive defeats. The Blackcaps have struggled to match India’s tempo, especially in key phases of the innings. Despite that, the squad includes several proven match-winners who can change games quickly if they find form. The management will expect a more composed approach with the bat and better execution from the bowlers. As preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026 continue, New Zealand aim to use the remaining matches to identify combinations and rebuild momentum.
Head-to-Head Record
India hold a clear advantage over New Zealand in T20I cricket, both in overall numbers and recent meetings. On Indian soil, the home side has enjoyed greater control due to familiarity with conditions and stronger spin options. Recent form also favors India, as New Zealand have found it difficult to sustain pressure across all departments against this Indian lineup.
Pitch Report and Conditions
The Visakhapatnam pitch traditionally supports stroke-making and offers true bounce, making it a favorable surface for batters. Teams batting first often post totals above 180 when they apply themselves early. Fast bowlers can extract some movement with the new ball, while spinners come into play as the surface dries during the second innings. Dew usually remains minimal, so conditions stay fairly consistent across both halves. Weather forecasts indicate clear skies and no rain, creating ideal circumstances for a full match.
Probable Playing XIs
India are expected to continue with a settled combination under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. The probable XI includes Ishan Kishan as wicketkeeper, Abhishek Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav as captain, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah.
New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner for this tour, are likely to back experience while seeking better balance. The probable XI includes Devon Conway, Tim Seifert as wicketkeeper, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner as captain, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, and Jacob Duffy.
Probable Match Scenarios
The toss may offer a slight advantage to the team bowling first due to early freshness in the wicket, but it is unlikely to dictate the outcome heavily. A first-innings score around 180 to 190 should keep the contest competitive. India will aim to dominate the powerplay with the bat and then apply spin pressure in the middle overs. New Zealand’s best chance lies in early wickets and a controlled chase built around experienced middle-order batters.
Live Streaming and Broadcast Information
In India, the match will be broadcast live on Star Sports channels, with live streaming available on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website. Viewers in Pakistan can watch the match on PTV Sports and stream it via Tapmad. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports Cricket will provide live television coverage and digital streaming. Australian viewers can follow the match on Fox Cricket and stream it through the Kayo Sports app. Global audiences can access coverage through official ICC broadcast partners and regional sports networks.
Match Prediction
India start as favorites due to their current form, squad depth, and adaptability to home conditions. New Zealand possess the talent to challenge strongly, but consistency across batting and bowling remains a concern. If India execute their plans with discipline, they hold a stronger probability of extending their winning run, while New Zealand will need standout individual performances to shift the balance.
