India’s chase of a daunting 216 in the fourth T20I against New Zealand at Visakhapatnam got off to a shaky start as in-form opener Abhishek Sharma suffered a rare failure. Coming into the contest on the back of a prolific run, Abhishek was dismissed for a first-ball duck, handing New Zealand early momentum in a high-pressure chase.
Opening alongside Sanju Samson, Abhishek looked to set the tone straightaway. However, his intent backfired as he danced down the track to Matt Henry on the very first delivery, attempted an aerial stroke, and failed to time it cleanly. The mistimed shot hung in the air long enough for Devon Conway, stationed at third man, to sprint forward and complete a superb catch under the lights.
The early dismissal silenced the Vizag crowd and left India reeling at the start. New Zealand tightened the screws further in the next over. Jacob Duffy struck a crucial blow by dismissing India captain Suryakumar Yadav for just 8 off 8 balls.
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The right-hander looked to work the ball into the leg side but ended up chipping it straight back to the bowler, who completed a sharp return catch to deepen India’s troubles.
Golden duck by Abhishek Sharma. pic.twitter.com/lTThEETC4e
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 28, 2026
Abhishek Sharma in this series:
– 1st game: First ball dot, but legal run came off the first six.
– 2nd game: Duck, went for a six straightaway.
– 3rd game: Six off the very first ball.
– 4th game: Golden duck, again trying to clear the ropes first ball.Live by the sword, die… pic.twitter.com/rQZoxj5zqq
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) January 28, 2026
Abhishek Sharma ensuring that New Zealand doesn’t pull out of the T20 World Cup. Timely failure.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 28, 2026
Abhishek Sharma out on a golden duck
New Zealand- pic.twitter.com/jHQFICoIhY
— Sajcasm (@sajcasm_) January 28, 2026
Earlier in the evening, New Zealand had made full use of the batting-friendly conditions after being put in by Suryakumar Yadav. Tim Seifert and Devon Conway laid a strong foundation with a 100-run opening stand. Conway played fluently for his 44 off 23 balls, while Seifert anchored the innings with a commanding 62 off 36 deliveries. Although wickets fell in the middle overs, valuable cameos from Glenn Phillips (24 off 16) and Daryl Mitchell (39 not out off 18) propelled the visitors to an imposing 215/7.
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Despite the stutter, India entered the contest with confidence, having already sealed the five-match series with an unassailable 3-0 lead. The Vizag encounter, however, served as a timely reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in T20 cricket.
