India vs New Zealand 4th T20I – Match Preview (28 January 2026)

Date: 28 January 2026
Time: 13:30 GMT / 19:00 IST
Venue: ACAVDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Format: T20 International
Series: India vs New Zealand 2026 T20I Series
Tournament Context: Warm-up before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Match Overview

The fourth T20I between India and New Zealand is set to be a pivotal contest in the ongoing series, with both teams vying for a strong position heading into the T20 World Cup in February. The match will be played at the ACAVDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam, a venue known for its balanced yet slightly bowler-friendly conditions in the evening.

The series so far has been competitive, with both teams showcasing their strengths and experimenting with different combinations. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav in the T20I series, is looking to fine-tune its strategies, while New Zealand will aim to capitalize on any inconsistencies and secure a crucial win.

Key Players to Watch

India

• Suryakumar Yadav – The Indian captain is expected to lead from the front, with his aggressive strokeplay and match-winning ability in the middle overs.
• Rohit Sharma – The veteran opener brings experience and consistency, especially under pressure.
• Ravindra Jadeja – A versatile all-rounder, Jadeja's spin and lower-order hitting make him a key asset.
• Arshdeep Singh – The Punjab Kings star has been in excellent form and is expected to provide a lethal death-overs option.

New Zealand

• Mitchell Santner – The Kiwi spinner is a key player in tight games and can turn the momentum in the middle overs.
• Glenn Phillips – A destructive middle-order batsman and part-time spinner, Phillips can change the course of the game with his all-round contributions.
• Tim Seifert – The tall opener can clear the boundaries with ease and is vital for New Zealand’s aggressive approach.
• Lockie Ferguson – A potent fast bowler, Ferguson's yorkers and ability to swing the ball can trouble even the best batsmen.

Venue and Pitch Report

ACAVDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam is a well-maintained venue that has hosted several high-stakes international matches. The pitch is generally batter-friendly in the early stages, but as the match progresses, the surface offers increased assistance to spinners.

• Dew Factor: The pitch tends to get slower in the evening, especially after 7 PM, which could aid the chasing side.
• Boundaries: The stadium has a medium to large boundary size, rewarding well-placed shots and power-hitters.
• Outfield: The outfield is fast and true, giving fielders a good chance to effect run-outs.

Historical Data:

• In 6 T20Is held here, teams batting second have won 4 times, suggesting that bowl first is the better option, especially with the dew factor in mind.

Series Context

India has started the T20I series on a high, with Suryakumar Yadav taking charge and the team experimenting with new combinations. New Zealand, on the other hand, has shown resilience and adaptability, especially in high-pressure situations.

This match will be crucial for both teams as it comes just a few days before the start of the T20 World Cup. The result could influence player selections and team dynamics for the global event.

Prediction

Given the venue's bias towards the chasing side and the strength of both teams' lineups, this match is expected to be a high-scoring, thrilling encounter. If the toss goes in favor of the chasing team, they could leverage the dew and spin support to clinch the game.

Prediction: A tight contest, with India edging out New Zealand by a narrow margin, thanks to their superior all-round depth and experience.

Final Score Prediction: India 188/6, New Zealand 185/8 (India win by 3 runs)

Conclusion

The 4th T20I between India and New Zealand promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams looking to gain the upper hand in the series. The ACAVDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam, with its challenging conditions, will play a vital role in shaping the outcome.

Cricket fans around the world can look forward to a high-quality, fast-paced game that will set the tone for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
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