India head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed serious concern over the team’s batting performances following the 244-run defeat to New Zealand in the fourth ODI at Mount Maunganui on Friday. India were bowled out for just 89 while chasing a target of 334, suffering a dramatic collapse against New Zealand’s pace attack.

Gambhir made it clear that Indian batters cannot use difficult deliveries or conditions as an excuse for their dismissals. Emphasising the responsibility of the batters, he said there were no unplayable deliveries in international cricket and that players needed to find ways to deal with movement and challenging conditions.

“There are no unplayable deliveries in international cricket. Matt Henry bowled in good areas, but we should be able to negate that,” Gambhir said during the post-match press conference.

He also pointed out that the batters struggled to respond to the movement on offer and became stuck in their crease.

Gambhir raises concern over repeated batting collapses

The defeat was particularly concerning because India had suffered another significant batting collapse earlier in the series. During the rain-affected second ODI, India had lost seven wickets for 111 runs while chasing a target of 135, although they eventually won the match under the DLS method.

Gambhir said such performances were a concern, particularly with the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching. The tournament is scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, where playing conditions could offer more assistance to fast bowlers than Indian pitches.

The India coach stressed that the team needed to address its batting problems rather than treat the defeat as an isolated incident.

Kohli, Rohit and Iyer fall for ducks

India’s chase got off to a disastrous start as New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry dismissed three of the team’s leading batters in the opening over.

Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a golden duck, while Virat Kohli also failed to open his account. Stand-in captain Shreyas Iyer became Henry’s third victim in the same over, leaving India struggling at 0/3.

The early wickets put India under immediate pressure, and the remaining batters failed to recover from the setback.

India were eventually dismissed for 89 in 26.4 overs. Ishan Kishan top-scored with 27, while Axar Patel and Naman Dhir contributed 21 runs each.

Henry finished with figures of 6/27 in 9.4 overs, playing a decisive role in New Zealand’s comprehensive victory.

India still lead the five-match ODI series

New Zealand’s victory brought them back into contention in the five-match ODI series. India currently lead 2-1 after winning the first two matches, while the third ODI was abandoned due to rain.

The fifth and final ODI is scheduled to take place at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on November 15. India will look to recover from the heavy defeat, while New Zealand will aim to level the series.

Abhishek Sharma delivered a stunning batting performance in the third T20 International against New Zealand in Wellington, smashing 113 off just 38 balls to power India’s chase of 199. India reached the target in 13.2 overs, winning the match by six wickets.

The Indian opener’s explosive innings proved decisive as India chased down New Zealand’s total of 198/3. His aggressive approach put the hosts under pressure and helped India complete the chase with plenty of overs to spare.

Abhishek Sharma leads India’s chase

Abhishek’s 113-run knock off 38 deliveries was the standout performance of the contest. His innings provided India with the momentum needed to pursue the 199-run target at a rapid pace.

The century also made Abhishek the central figure of the third T20I, with his power-hitting dominating the contest. India’s successful chase underlined the impact of his innings in a match where New Zealand had posted a substantial total.

India chase down 199 against New Zealand

New Zealand scored 198/3 in their innings, setting India a target of 199. However, India’s batters responded with an aggressive chase, reaching the target in just 13.2 overs.

The six-wicket victory gave India an important result in the five-match T20I series. Abhishek’s century was the defining contribution of the match, ensuring that the visitors completed the chase comfortably.

Abhishek Sharma’s innings takes the spotlight

Abhishek’s quickfire century was the major talking point from the Wellington encounter. Scoring 113 runs from only 38 balls, he combined scoring speed with the ability to keep India’s chase firmly on track.

His performance will be among the key highlights of the third T20I as India continue their campaign against New Zealand.

India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the men’s cricket final at the Asian Games 2026 on Saturday to retain the gold medal.

India posted 211 for six after being sent in to bat, before restricting Pakistan to 192 for six in their 20 overs. The victory gave India their second successive Asian Games gold medal in men’s cricket.

India post 211 in final

India’s batting was led by Abhishek Sharma, who scored 61 off 28 balls, while Tilak Varma contributed 51 off 22 balls.

The two batters provided the momentum as India reached 211 for six from their 20 overs.

India captain Shreyas Iyer had won the toss and elected to bat first in the final.

Pakistan fall 19 runs short

Pakistan’s chase was anchored by Hasan Nawaz, who made 96 from 51 balls. Saim Ayub added 29 from 22 balls, but Pakistan finished on 192 for six after 20 overs.

India’s Axar Patel and Washington Sundar each took two wickets as Pakistan fell short of the target.

The result secured the gold medal for India, while Pakistan finished with silver. Sri Lanka won the bronze medal after defeating Bangladesh in the bronze-medal match.

India retain Asian Games cricket title

The victory marked India’s second consecutive men’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games. India had also won the men’s cricket gold at the Hangzhou edition.

India’s victory over Pakistan also completed a gold-medal double for the country in cricket at the 2026 Asian Games, after the women’s team won the women’s cricket final earlier in the competition.