4th ODI: India suffer 244-run defeat against New Zealand as Matt Henry shines with six wickets, hosts cut series lead to 2-1

India suffered a crushing 244-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth ODI at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Friday, November 13.  Chasing a target of 334, the visitors were bowled out for just 89, handing the hosts a comprehensive victory and bringing the series to 2-1.

India had entered the contest with a 2-0 lead after winning the first two matches, while the third ODI was washed out. However, their hopes of sealing the series in the fourth match were shattered by a sensational performance from New Zealand's bowling attack.

The Indian innings got off to a disastrous start as Matt Henry produced a triple-wicket maiden in the opening over. The New Zealand pacer dismissed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and India's stand-in captain Shreyas Iyer for ducks in the first six deliveries of the chase.

Rohit edged the first ball of the innings to Finn Allen at slip, while Kohli was bowled by a delivery that stayed low. Iyer became Henry's third victim after a successful DRS review overturned the on-field umpire's decision.

The early collapse continued when Kyle Jamieson dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad for five, leaving India struggling at 9/4 after six overs. The visitors never recovered from the early damage and were eventually bowled out for 89.

Will Young's century powers New Zealand to 333

Earlier, New Zealand posted 333 all out in their allotted 50 overs after Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first in his debut as India's ODI captain.

Will Young led the hosts' batting effort with a brilliant 125 off 108 deliveries, registering his fifth ODI century. Tim Seifert also made a valuable contribution, scoring 58 off 48 balls, while Finn Allen added 41 runs.

Young's innings proved crucial in helping New Zealand set India a challenging target. The hosts then backed up their batting performance with a disciplined bowling display to secure one of their biggest victories against India in terms of runs.

India record another disastrous ODI batting performance

The defeat also brought India's batting struggles into focus. The visitors lost their first three wickets without scoring a run, with Rohit, Kohli and Iyer all departing for ducks.

It was only the second time that Rohit and Kohli had both been dismissed for ducks in the same ODI innings. The previous instance came against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in 2010.

India's total of 89 is also among their lowest scores in men's ODI cricket. Their lowest-ever total remains 54, recorded against Sri Lanka in Sharjah in 2000.