The fourth fixture of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand turned into a complete nightmare for the Indian cricket team. Shreyas Iyer, stepping in to lead the ODI side for the very first time, won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that eventually backfired as the host New Zealand side posted a formidable total of 333 runs in their 50 overs. In response, the chase fell apart catastrophically as the entire batting lineup collapsed for just 89 runs in 26.4 overs, handing the visitors a massive 244-run defeat.
A 29-Year-Old Unwanted Record Repeats in ODIs
The run chase began on the worst possible note when three frontline batters were sent back to the pavilion without opening their accounts in the very opening over. New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry delivered a devastating spell, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and captain Shreyas Iyer for ducks within the first six balls of the innings. With this disastrous start, India joined Pakistan as only the second team in ODI history to lose their first three wickets in the opening over of an innings without getting off the mark. Back in 1997, the Pakistan team suffered the exact same fate against South Africa in Lahore, where Shaun Pollock removed Saeed Anwar, Amir Sohail, and Inzamam-ul-Haq for ducks. Exactly 29 years later, this unwanted piece of cricket history has repeated itself.
Team India Bundled Out Under 90 After Sixteen Years
Although the Indian team has enjoyed absolute dominance in limited-overs cricket across home and away conditions for over a decade, this heavy defeat has raised serious questions regarding preparations ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. For the first time in a span of 16 long years, the Indian side has been bowled out for a total under 90 in the ODI format. Furthermore, this also marks India's lowest-ever total against New Zealand in ODI cricket history, leaving supporters and analysts deeply concerned.
