India were bowled out for a shock batting collapse in the fourth ODI against New Zealand at Bay Oval as Matt Henry produced a sensational opening over as he dismissed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer without allowing India to score a run.
After New Zealand posted 333 all out chasing a tough target of 334 runs, India were 0/3 after the first over. Three major batters were sent back in six balls and the hosts had complete control early on.
Matt Henry Creates History with Sensational First Over
New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry bowled an extraordinary opening over which completely turned the match on its head.
Rohit Sharma was the first to go. Henry got movement off the wicket and took the edge of Rohit’s bat before Finn Allen completed the catch. Indian opener returned to the dressing room without scoring a run and with a golden duck.
The situation got worse for India when Virat Kohli walked in. Henry continued to bowl well and bowled Kohli for a duck so the visitors had their two most experienced batters out.
Shreyas Iyer Completes India's Nightmare
India’s problems did not end with Rohit and Kohli out. Shreyas Iyer also failed to open his account when he was lbw to Henry.
The ball pitched in front of the stumps and Iyer was given his third wicket of the over by New Zealand’s pacer.
Suddenly India were 0/3 with three of their best batsmen out without scoring a run. It was disastrous start to chase which already needed a big batting effort.
Henry’s opening spell was the biggest talking point of the fourth ODI straight away.
New Zealand Had Earlier Posted 333 Runs
The collapse came after New Zealand batted beautifully to score 333 runs in their 50 overs.
The star for the hosts was Will Young who smashed 125 off 108 balls with 14 fours and four sixes. His innings set New Zealand up with a big total.
Tim Seifert scored 58 and Finn Allen 41. Both of them ensured that New Zealand had enough runs on board to put India’s batting lineup under pressure.
Young’s fifth ODI century was particularly important as he had been reprieved twice early by the Indian fielders.
India Face an Almost Impossible Recovery
With Rohit, Kohli and Shreyas back in the dressing room it was now up to the rest of Indian batters.
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan along with the middle order now have the difficult job of rebuilding. India need 334 to win but losing three wickets without scoring has made it much tougher chase than it was earlier.
The visitors will need partnerships, patience and calculated attacking cricket to compete.
Matt Henry Puts New Zealand in Command
Henry’s incredible first over has given New Zealand a massive lead in the fourth ODI. To bowl three top-order batters out without conceding a run is an incredible effort and puts the Indian batting line up under enormous pressure.
New Zealand will now need to keep the momentum going and take advantage of India’s vulnerability.
The fourth ODI has become a thriller, India’s hopes of chasing 334 are under threat after one of their worst starts to an innings in years.
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