New Zealand Crush India by 244 Runs in 4th ODI as Matt Henry Claims Stunning 6-Wicket Haul

Suryaa Now Sports Desk: New Zealand produced a dominant performance to defeat India by 244 runs in the fourth ODI of the India tour of New Zealand 2026 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. A sensational bowling display by Matt Henry, who claimed six wickets for just 27 runs, helped the hosts bowl India out for a mere 89 in 26.4 overs.

After winning the toss and batting first, New Zealand posted 333 runs in their allotted 50 overs. The hosts built a competitive total through contributions from their top and middle-order batters, with Young and Tim Seifert playing important roles in the innings.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner admitted that his team had initially targeted a total of around 360 runs but lost wickets at crucial stages, preventing them from fully capitalising on their batting opportunities.

Matt Henry Destroys India's Batting Line-up

India's chase turned into a nightmare from the opening over. Returning pacer Matt Henry delivered a devastating spell with the new ball, picking up three major wickets in his opening over and immediately putting India under enormous pressure.

Henry maintained excellent line and length throughout his spell, exploiting the movement and bounce available from the surface. He finished with outstanding figures of 6 wickets for 27 runs, dismantling India's batting order.

His performance was particularly significant as it marked the second six-wicket haul by a New Zealand bowler against India in ODI cricket, following Shane Bond's 6/19 at Bulawayo in 2005.

Henry's spell also placed him among New Zealand's leading ODI wicket-takers in recent years. Since 2025, he has taken 37 wickets in 14 matches at an impressive average of 16.29.

India Suffer One of Their Biggest ODI Defeats

India were eventually dismissed for 89 in 26.4 overs, suffering a 244-run defeat. This ranks among the biggest defeats in India's ODI history by run margin.

The result is also New Zealand's second-biggest victory by runs in ODI cricket, behind their 290-run win against Ireland at Aberdeen in 2008.

India's total of 89 also entered the list of their lowest scores in ODI cricket. Their lowest remains 54 against Sri Lanka at Sharjah in 2000.

Shreyas Iyer Acknowledges New Zealand's Bowling

Following the defeat, Indian batter Shreyas Iyer acknowledged the difference in conditions between the two innings but praised Henry's exceptional bowling performance.

He said New Zealand's bowlers consistently hit the right areas from the very first delivery, making batting extremely difficult.

Iyer also pointed out that the ball moved in and out after the pitch began offering assistance to the fast bowlers. He said India's batters were dismissed by quality deliveries rather than throwing away their wickets.

Acknowledging the team's shortcomings, Iyer said India would analyse their bowling and batting performances before preparing for the next match. He also stressed that the team should draw confidence from its victories earlier in the series.

Santner Praises New Zealand's Bowling Depth

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner expressed satisfaction with the overall performance, particularly the way his bowlers applied pressure during India's powerplay.

He praised Henry's impact with the new ball and highlighted the contributions of other fast bowlers, including Matt Fisher. Santner said Fisher was continuing to develop with every match and gaining confidence at the international level.

Santner also credited the team's bowling depth, saying different players had stepped up at important stages throughout the series.

Key Match Statistics

  • New Zealand: 333/10 in 50 overs

  • India: 89 all out in 26.4 overs

  • Result: New Zealand won by 244 runs

  • Player of the Match: Matt Henry

  • Matt Henry's bowling figures: 6/27

  • Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

  • Series: India tour of New Zealand 2026

The result underlined New Zealand's dominance with the ball and exposed India's difficulties against quality pace bowling in favourable conditions. Both teams will now look ahead to the next encounter, with India seeking a strong response.