IndvsNZ, 4th ODI: India loses to NZ by 19 runs, series levelled 2-2

Ranchi: Indian Cricket team has landed itself in a soup by taking the things to the 5th ODI with series levelled at 2-2. Men in Blue have been thumped by New Zealand by 19 runs in the fourth One Day International of the five-match series at JSCA International Stadium Complex here on Wednesday.

It was India's batting failure which scripted Kiwis win and hence staying strong in the contest.

Chasing the total of 260 runs, Rohit Sharma continued his poor show after being dismissed at a score of 11 runs. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane shared partnership of 79 runs. But, after chase master Kohli's wicket, other batsmen including Rahane (57), skipper Dhoni (11), Manish (12), Jadhav (0), Mishra (14), Pandya (9), Axar (38) and Umesh (7) followed him back to the pavilion on a continues note. It was Axar's 38-run knock which kept India in the game for long.

Earlier, New Zealand managed to reach a competitive total of 260/7 in stipulated 50 overs in the fourth One Day International of the five-match series at JSCA International Stadium Complex here on Wednesday.

Electing to bat first, NZ was off to a flying start when its openers Martin Guptill and Tom Latham scoring 80 runs in 10 overs without submitting. Latham, after scoring 39 runs, was the first to depart. He was followed by Guptill who after playing a fine knock of 72 runs went back to the pavilion.

The rest of New Zealand batsmen could not really match to the sound start made by openers and setting a target of 261 which once looked to be in the vicinity of 300. With Guptill was put down by Amit Mishra at 29 runs. Skipper Kane Williamson was well settled at 41 runs before Mishra shown him the doors of dressing room. After skipper's departure, Kiwi batsmen failed to make thing go for the side.

For India, ace-spinner Mishra was the leading wicket taker claiming two wickets while Umesh, Hardik, Dhawal and Axar picked single wicket each. Dhawal's performance was disappointing. He gave away plenty of runs in the early overs including a one in which Guptill hammered three boundaries.

Brief Score:

New Zealand: 260/7; Guptill 72; Mishra 2/42

India: 241/10; Rahane 57; Southee 3/40

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