4th ODI: Shreyas Iyer-led India eye series win over NZ
What's the story
After two rain-curtailed matches and an abandoned affair, New Zealand and India might finally get a full-fledged 50-over game in the five-ODI series. The two teams are set to square off in the fourth ODI at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, where the forecast looks promising. India, who lead the series 2-0, now have a new leader in Shreyas Iyer. As reported earlier, the vice-captain has replaced Shubman Gill for the last two ODIs.
Match history
Pitch and conditions
The forecast for Mount Maunganui is clear, with no rain on the days leading up to the match.
However, given recent weather patterns, it remains to be seen how well-prepared the pitch will be for optimal playing conditions.
As per Cricinfo, the last four day-night ODIs at Bay Oval have been won by the chasing side.
While seamers are expected to generate movement, dew is expected to set in.
India
Shreyas Iyer leads for the first time in ODIs
Shreyas Iyer will lead India for the first time in ODIs. He was earlier named captain for the last two games, with Gill focusing on the upcoming Test series.
Speedster Mohammed Siraj could finally get a game as Anshul Kamboj has left for the Test camp.
While Ishan Kishan could replace Gill at the top, Ruturaj Gaikwad will likely come in for KL Rahul, who has also joined Gill and Kamboj.
New Zealand
NZ add five players to their ODI squad
Meanwhile, New Zealand have added Finn Allen, Mitch Hay, Dean Foxcroft, Nick Kelly, and Brett Randell to their ODI squad.
According to Cricbuzz, Matt Henry could return after recovering from a head injury sustained while training ahead of the series.
Fast bowler Blair Tickner will be unavailable after being struck by a ball while batting during the second ODI.
Lineups
Probable XIs
New Zealand (Probable XI): Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wicket-keeper), Will Young, Nick Kelly, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Dean Foxcroft, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Matt Fisher.
India (Probable XI): Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Auqib Nabi, Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar, and Arshdeep Singh.
Record
Head-to-head record
According to Cricinfo, India hold an edge over New Zealand in ODIs.
In 126 head-to-head clashes, India won 65 while New Zealand managed 52 wins. The tally includes eight no-results and one tied match.
The two sides met earlier this year in a three-ODI series on Indian soil. Despite losing the opener, the Kiwis prevailed.
India have won just two of the 10 bilateral ODI series on NZ soil - 3-1 in 2009 and 4-1 in 2019.
Spotlight
Performers in spotlight
Kohli, who scored 7 in Wellington, is set to become the first player with 2,000 ODI runs against New Zealand (1,978*).
Meanwhile, Gill could become the first player to reach 1,000 ODI runs this year. He currently has 932 runs at 93.20 in 2026.
Notably, NZ are unbeaten in their last 11 bilateral ODI series at home, a streak that dates back to 2019.
Across three ODIs, India have won two and lost one at Bay Oval.
Poll