India suffered their second-biggest defeat by runs in one-day internationals after New Zealand beat them by 244 runs in the fourth ODI at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Friday.Chasing 334 for victory, India were bowled out for just 89, with New Zealand pacer Matt Henry taking six wickets. Will Young led the hosts’ batting effort with a century as they registered a dominant win.India still lead the five-match series 2-1. New Zealand cannot win the series but can level it by winning the final match at the same venue on Sunday. The third ODI was abandoned due to rain.
India’s second-biggest defeat in ODIs
India’s 244-run defeat is now the second-biggest by runs in their ODI history. Their heaviest loss came against Sri Lanka, who beat them by 245 runs in Sharjah in 2000. The defeat against New Zealand is just one run short of that unwanted record.India’s other biggest defeats include a 214-run loss to South Africa in Mumbai in 2015 and a 208-run defeat against Australia in Sydney in 2004.Biggest defeat margins for India in ODIs:
- 245 runs vs Sri Lanka, Sharjah, 2000
- 244 runs vs New Zealand, Mount Maunganui, 2026
- 214 runs vs South Africa, Mumbai WS, 2015
- 208 runs vs Australia, Sydney, 2004
- 202 runs vs England, Lord’s, World Cup 1975
- 200 runs vs New Zealand, Dambulla, 2010
Henry’s first-over burst leaves India in trouble
India’s chase got off to a disastrous start as Henry struck three times in the opening over. He dismissed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer to leave India reeling at 0/3.Ruturaj Gaikwad also fell soon after, leaving India in deep trouble. Ishan Kishan (27) and Axar Patel (21) then put together a 44-run partnership, while Naman Dhir added a quick 21.Their efforts helped India avoid an even bigger defeat. Henry returned to take three more wickets and finished with six as India were bowled out for their sixth-lowest total in ODIs.
Young makes up for early failures with a century
Earlier, Young produced a fine innings of 125 off 108 balls to give New Zealand a strong total. It was his highest ODI score and his fifth century in the format.The 33-year-old had managed only nine and six in the first two matches of the series. He made the most of his chances after India dropped him twice in the second over, with Rohit and wicketkeeper Kishan putting down catches off consecutive deliveries.Young received good support from Tim Seifert, who scored 58, and Finn Allen, who made 41. For India, Axar Patel, Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi took two wickets each.
Gill, Rahul miss final ODI too
India were without captain Shubman Gill and batter KL Rahul for the fourth ODI. Both will also miss Sunday’s final match as they prepare for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, which begins on Wednesday.
