Matt Henry’s six-wicket haul destroys India in 244-run defeat

New Zealand delivered a stunning performance to crush India by 244 runs in the fourth One-Day International at Mount Maunganui on Friday, November 13, with Matt Henry producing a devastating bowling display and Will Young leading the batting charge with a brilliant century.

Henry claimed six wickets for just 27 runs, dismantling India’s batting order in a remarkable opening over that completely changed the contest. Chasing a challenging target of 334, India suffered a nightmare start as three of their biggest batting names departed without scoring.

Rohit Sharma edged his first delivery to slip, while former captain Virat Kohli was bowled on his fourth ball. Shreyas Iyer followed shortly afterwards, trapped lbw, leaving India in serious trouble before they could establish any momentum.

The visitors never recovered from the early collapse and were eventually bowled out for just 89 runs. Ishan Kishan was their leading scorer with 27, highlighting the extent of New Zealand’s dominance.

Henry received excellent support from Matthew Fisher, who finished with three wickets for 31 runs to complete India’s batting collapse.

Earlier, New Zealand posted an impressive 333 all out after being sent in to bat, with Young producing a superb 125 from 108 deliveries. His innings featured 14 boundaries and four sixes, providing the foundation for the hosts’ commanding total.

Young benefited from two missed chances early in his innings, surviving consecutive dropped catches when he was batting on five. Rohit Sharma and wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan missed opportunities in the second over, allowing the New Zealand batter to make India pay.

Tim Seifert provided an aggressive start with 58 from 39 deliveries, including a half-century, as the opening pair added 85 runs.

After Seifert’s dismissal, New Zealand briefly lost momentum when Nick Kelly and Dean Foxcroft departed cheaply. However, Young found an effective partner in Finn Allen, who contributed 41 from just 30 balls.

The pair added 90 runs in 65 deliveries, putting India under further pressure through attacking stroke play.

Axar Patel picked up two wickets for 39 runs, while Auqib Nabi and Gurnoor Brar also claimed two wickets each.

Despite the crushing defeat, India remain ahead 2-1 in the five-match ODI series. The two teams will meet again in the final match at Mount Maunganui on Sunday, with India looking to secure the series and New Zealand hoping to finish on a winning note.