India suffered one of their most embarrassing defeats in ODI cricket after being bowled out for just 89 runs against New Zealand in the fourth ODI at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on Friday. The hosts registered a massive 244-run victory, handing India their second-biggest defeat by runs in the history of the format.

Chasing a challenging target of 334, India needed a strong start to remain in the contest. However, what followed was a batting disaster that few would have expected.

New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry produced a sensational opening over, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and stand-in captain Shreyas Iyer for ducks. Rohit was caught by Finn Allen off the first delivery, before Henry sent Kohli and Iyer back to the pavilion later in the same over.

India were left reeling at 0/3 after just six deliveries, suffering their first-ever 0/3 start in men's ODI cricket. The visitors never recovered from the early damage as the New Zealand bowlers continued to put pressure on the Indian batting line-up.

Henry was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with an outstanding six-wicket haul. His accuracy, movement and ability to trouble the Indian batters made life extremely difficult for the visitors.

Only three Indian batters managed to reach double figures, highlighting the scale of the collapse. Naman Dhir was among the few batters who showed some resistance, but India had very little to offer against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack.

The defeat by 244 runs is now India's second-biggest loss in ODI history, just one run short of their unwanted record defeat against Sri Lanka in Sharjah in 2000, when they lost by 245 runs.

It is also India's sixth-lowest total in ODI cricket. Their previous lowest score against New Zealand was 88, recorded in Dambulla in 2010.

New Zealand's victory also brought them back into the series after India had enjoyed a strong start to the campaign. With one match remaining, the result has given the hosts an opportunity to finish the series on a positive note.

For India, however, the defeat will raise serious questions about their batting approach and ability to handle pressure, especially after losing three key batters without scoring a single run.

Story first published: Friday, November 13, 2026, 14:53 [IST]

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