India vs New Zealand 4th T20I preview 2026 brings fans another high-octane clash as the Men in Blue, riding an unstoppable wave, look to complete a commanding clean sweep. The series is already in India’s pocket after three crushing wins, but the stakes remain high with the 2026 T20 World Cup just weeks away. Visakhapatnam’s ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling dead rubber packed with experimentation, individual battles, and explosive T20 action.
The coastal city of Visakhapatnam has a special place in Indian cricket history. The last men’s T20I here in November 2023 saw India chase down 209 against Australia in a nail-biting finish. Now, in January 2026, the venue hosts a full-strength India squad hungry to fine-tune combinations and maintain their flawless record in bilateral T20I series since 2024. New Zealand, hampered by injuries and absences, arrive with reinforcements like Lockie Ferguson and James Neesham but face an uphill battle to salvage pride.
India’s batting has been ferocious in this series, striking at over 210 per 100 balls—the fastest rate ever in a bilateral T20I series where a team batted at least three times. Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Suryakumar Yadav have led the charge, while bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya have kept things tight. For the Black Caps, it’s about regrouping and testing new ideas ahead of bigger ICC events, where they historically peak.
As the match approaches on January 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM IST, cricket fans can expect fireworks. Minimal dew, a batting-friendly pitch, and a near sell-out crowd will create an electric atmosphere. Let’s dive deep into every aspect of this exciting encounter.
Match Details and Series Context
India vs New Zealand 4th T20I
- Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM IST (1:30 PM GMT)
- Venue: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
- Series: New Zealand tour of India 2026 (5-match T20I series)
- Current Status: India lead 3-0 (series clinched)
- Broadcast in India: Star Sports Network (TV), JioHotstar (streaming)
- Toss Time: 6:30 PM IST
The series has been one-sided so far. India kicked off with a 48-run win in Nagpur, followed by comfortable chases in Raipur (7 wickets) and Guwahati (8 wickets with plenty to spare). New Zealand’s depleted lineup struggled against India’s aggressive batting and varied attack. This dead rubber offers India rotation opportunities and New Zealand a chance to rebuild confidence.
Venue Guide: ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
The ACA-VDCA Stadium, perched about 50 meters above sea level with coastal influences, is a scenic gem. Capacity stands at around 28,000, with ends named Vizzy End and DV Subba Rao End. It hosts Andhra cricket and features a picturesque backdrop of hills.
In limited T20Is (around 4 men’s matches historically), the ground favors high scores once the ball settles. The last T20I (India vs Australia, 2023) produced over 400 runs combined.
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Men’s T20Is Played | ~4 |
| Matches Won Batting First | Variable (mixed) |
| Matches Won Chasing | Often higher success |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 180-200 |
| Highest Team Total | 209/8 (India vs Australia, 2023) |
| Highest Successful Chase | 209/8 (India vs Australia, 2023) |
| Lowest Score Defended | Limited data; generally high-scoring |
Crowd buzz is high—tickets are near sell-out, promising passionate support for India.
Pitch Report and Conditions Analysis
Visakhapatnam T20I pitch report points to a belter. The surface offers true bounce and even pace, with short boundaries aiding big hits. Early swing from sea breeze helps pacers, but it flattens out for strokeplay. Spinners get some grip in middle overs due to coastal humidity.
Dew was minimal during practice, reducing second-innings advantage. Expect 180-200+ as competitive totals. Teams may bat first to set pressure.
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Early Overs | Swing for pacers |
| Middle Overs | True bounce, spin grip |
| Late Overs | High-scoring, short boundaries |
| Dew Factor | Low (minimal reported) |
| Expected 1st Innings Score | 190+ competitive |
Toss winner likely bats first on this batting paradise.
Weather Forecast for Match Day
January in Visakhapatnam is pleasant. Forecast: partly cloudy, 24-28°C day, 20-22°C evening, moderate humidity (60-70%), light breeze. No rain threat—full match assured.
India Team News and Probable XI
India rotate with series won. Focus: Sanju Samson’s form (10, 6, 0 in series) vs Ishan Kishan’s explosion (76 off 32, 28 off 13). Axar Patel returns; possible rests for Hardik Pandya/Bumrah. Arshdeep and Varun may feature.
Probable XI:
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Shivam Dube
- Hardik Pandya/Axar Patel
- Rinku Singh
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Ravi Bishnoi/Harshit Rana
Samson trains hard—one big knock could silence doubters. Kishan pressures for opener/middle spot.
New Zealand Team News and Probable XI
NZ get boosts: Ferguson (post-injury), Neesham. Daryl Mitchell may move up. Finn Allen arrives later.
Probable XI:
- Tim Seifert (wk)
- Devon Conway/Daryl Mitchell
- Rachin Ravindra
- Glenn Phillips
- Mark Chapman/Daryl Mitchell
- James Neesham
- Mitchell Santner (c)
- Matt Henry
- Lockie Ferguson
- Ish Sodhi
- Jacob Duffy/Kyle Jamieson
Ferguson’s pace could trouble, but batting order rejig needed.
Players to Watch
Abhishek Sharma (India): Redefining T20—1011 runs since 2025, SR 202.20, 8 fifties in 24 innings.
Ishan Kishan (India): Explosive No.3—76 off 32 in Raipur.
Sanju Samson (India): Pressure on—needs runs for World Cup spot.
Suryakumar Yadav (India): 171 runs in series (SR 201+).
Lockie Ferguson (NZ): Speed comeback—X-factor.
Glenn Phillips (NZ): 145 runs in series.
Ish Sodhi (NZ): 5 wickets from NZ T20I record.
Head-to-Head Records and Key Stats
India dominate recent H2H.
| Last 5 T20Is | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 25, 2026 | India won | 8 wickets |
| Jan 23, 2026 | India won | 7 wickets |
| Jan 21, 2026 | India won | 48 runs |
| Feb 1, 2023 | India won | 168 runs |
| Jan 29, 2023 | India won | 6 wickets |
Series Stats (First 3 T20Is)
Most Runs:
| Player | Runs | Avg | SR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav | 171 | 171.00 | 201.17 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 152 | 76.00 | 271.42 |
| Glenn Phillips | 145 | 48.33 | 155.91 |
Most Wickets:
| Player | Wkts | Avg | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardik Pandya | 4 | 17.00 | 8.50 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 3 | 15.33 | 6.57 |
India’s 11-series win streak (since 2024) matches longest ever.
Quotes from Coaches
Morne Morkel (India): “Sanju is one knock away from form… building to World Cup, peak performance at right time.”
Jacob Oram (NZ): “Look deeper than wins/losses… historically, NZ peak at ICC events.”
India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I 2026: Epic 8-Wicket Domination Seals Series with Record Chase Triumph!
Match Prediction and Final Thoughts
India vs New Zealand 4th T20I prediction: India overwhelming favorites (85%+ chance). Home dominance, form, depth point to another win—likely 4-0 series lead, by 30+ runs or 6+ wickets chasing.
This dead rubber tees up World Cup prep. India’s aggression vs NZ resilience could deliver a thriller. Don’t miss the action—Visakhapatnam awaits fireworks!
FAQs: India vs New Zealand 4th T20I Preview
- When is the India vs New Zealand 4th T20I 2026 scheduled? The India vs New Zealand 4th T20I preview 2026 confirms the match is on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM IST (1:30 PM GMT) at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam.
- What is the current status of the New Zealand tour of India 2026 T20I series? India lead 3-0 after comprehensive victories in Nagpur (48 runs), Raipur (7 wickets), and Guwahati (8 wickets). The 4th T20I is a dead rubber, with India aiming for a clean sweep.
- Where can I watch the IND vs NZ 4th T20 live in India? The match will be telecast live on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar (Disney+ Hotstar/JioCinema). Global viewers can check local providers like Sky Sports or Willow TV.
- What is the pitch report for Visakhapatnam T20I 2026? The ACA-VDCA pitch is expected to be batting-friendly with true bounce and short boundaries. Early swing is possible due to elevation and sea breeze, but minimal dew will keep conditions balanced. A score of 190+ is likely competitive.
- Who are the probable playing XI for India in the 4th T20I vs New Zealand? India probable XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya/Axar Patel, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi/Harshit Rana.
- What changes can we expect in the New Zealand team for the Visakhapatnam T20I? New Zealand receive boosts with Lockie Ferguson and James Neesham. They may promote Daryl Mitchell up the order and replace Jacob Duffy/Kyle Jamieson. Finn Allen arrives only for the final match.
- Who are the key players to watch in India vs New Zealand 4th T20I 2026? For India: Abhishek Sharma (explosive form), Ishan Kishan (red-hot), Sanju Samson (under pressure), and Varun Chakravarthy. For New Zealand: Lockie Ferguson (pace return), Glenn Phillips, and Ish Sodhi (close to NZ record).
- How has India performed in the New Zealand tour of India 2026 series so far? India have dominated with a series strike rate of 210.98—the highest ever in a bilateral T20I series (minimum three innings). Their batting firepower has overwhelmed New Zealand in all departments.
- What is the head-to-head record between India and New Zealand in T20Is recently? India have won the last nine completed T20Is against top teams (including New Zealand, Australia, England) and all five most recent encounters with New Zealand, including the first three of this series.
- Who is likely to win the India vs New Zealand 4th T20I in Visakhapatnam? India are overwhelming favourites (85%+ chance) due to superior form, home advantage, squad depth, and rotation freedom. Expect India to secure a 4-0 lead in this India vs New Zealand 4th T20I preview 2026.
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