Kiwis hand India’s first defeat in Ranchi, level series 2-2

Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], Oct. 26 (Ani): A brilliant bowling performance by fast bowlers Time Southee and Trent Boult helped New Zealand defeat India by 19 runs in the fourth ODI here in Ranchi on Wednesday evening.

Chasing a competitive target of 261 runs, the ever-reliant batting line up of Men in Blue did not perform as per expectations and were eventually bowled out for 241 runs in 48.4 over.

Once Ish Sodhi dismissed Virat Kohli (45), the Black Caps sensed that they could level the series. It took combined efforts of New Zealand fielders and excellent bowling display that made the hosts to take undue risks that eventually cost them.

Southee was pick of the bowlers for the visitors as he took three wickets and dented India's batting line-up.

With this loss, the visitors would be keeping their hopes alive in the fifth and final ODI which is scheduled to take place in Vishakhapatnam.

Interestingly, this is Dhoni's first loss in the ODI format on his home turf Ranchi. Guptill was declared 'Man of the Match' for his scintillating knock of 72 off 84 balls..

Source: ANI