Last Updated on 13 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey

After three rain-affected matches (two DLS results and one washout), the weather will finally be kind as the ODI series between New Zealand and India moves to Mount Maunganui.

India come into this match with a 2-0 series lead courtesy mainly of their bowlers along with a superb knock from Virat Kohli in the series opener. Conditions may be more batting-friendly with sunnier weather this time around, so how the bowlers from both teams fare will be interesting to see.

This ODI, however, will see a number of changes to the playing XIs. The Test series begins just three days after Sunday’s ODI, so the likes of Shubman Gill will be unavailable for this clash. It is an opportunity for others to put their hand up and stake their claim for a spot in next year’s World Cup squads.

NZ vs IND 4th ODI 2026 Possible Playing XIs: Changes in both teams with Test series on the horizon

Finn Allen, Mitch Hay, Dean Foxcroft, Nick Kelly and Brett Randell have joined the New Zealand ODI squad. Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith and Henry Nicholls are unavailable with the Test series to begin soon.

New Zealand: 1. Finn Allen, 2. Tim Seifert (wk), 3. Will Young, 4. Nick Kelly, 5. Mitch Hay, 6. Michael Bracewell, 7. Mitchell Santner (c), 8. Dean Foxcroft, 9. Kyle Jamieson, 10. Matt Fisher/Matt Henry, 11. Jacob Duffy

Shreyas Iyer will captain India in this match. Ishan Kishan is expected to open, and Mohammed Siraj could play his first ODI of this series with Anshul Kamboj now with the Test squad.

India: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Ishan Kishan (wk), 3. Virat Kohli, 4. Shreyas Iyer (c), 5. Ruturaj Gaikwad, 6. Naman Dhir, 7. Axar Patel, 8. Auqib Nabi, 9. Mohammed Siraj, 10. Gurnoor Brar, 11. Arshdeep Singh

Bay Oval Mount Maunganui Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings score in the last five ODIs at Mount Maunganui is 245.6 at a run rate of 5.43. The chasing team has won four of these matches. So, expect the captain who wins the toss to field.

Left-arm orthodox bowlers are the most economical in these matches (econ. 4.25) but they average over 65 runs per wicket. Pace bowlers have a better average than the spinners, but concede over a run-a-ball.

The likes of Aquib Nabi will be looking to extract whatever movement they can out of this surface. There hasn’t been any rain in the past few days in Mount Maunganui, but there was quite a bit in the previous week.

“Obviously, if you have pace, then it’s very good. But I back my skills. I’ve reached so far mainly because of my skill. Pace is definitely a plus factor, but I rely more on my skill. Whatever I’ve done in the domestic circuit will come in use at the international level,” Nabi said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

A partly cloudy day is forecast with a top of 22 degrees. Conditions are expected to be clear in the evening. There is no chance of rain.

NZ vs IND 4th ODI 2026 Fantasy Cricket Tips: Top order batters to thrive in better conditions?

Top wicket-keeper picks:

• Ishan Kishan has a high ceiling for fantasy cricket and can be a great pick. He has an ODI double century to his name.

Key batter picks:

• Virat Kohli has the most runs in NZ-IND ODIs (1,978) at an average of 56.51 and strike rate of 97.87.
• Rohit Sharma is yet to find his rhythm in this series but he can fire at any stage. He is one of seven Indian players with at least 1,000 runs against New Zealand in men’s ODIs.
• Finn Allen hasn’t played an ODI in over three years. Can he fire straight away here? Like Ishan Kishan, Allen has a high ceiling for fantasy cricket and is worth a pick in some of your Dream11 teams.

Top all-rounder picks:

• Mitchell Santner averages 56.70 with the ball in 28 ODIs against India and 73.33 in five ODIs at Bay Oval. But he remains a solid fantasy pick as he a wily spinner and could get an opportunity with the bat given New Zealand’s inexperienced lineup.

Key bowler picks:

• Jacob Duffy is one of New Zealand’s key threats. He has six wickets this series and an excellent record against Virat Kohli in ODIs (28 balls, 38 runs, three wickets).
• Gurnor Brar is the leading wicker-taker so far this series with seven.
• Arshdeep Singh took four wickets in the first ODI and was economical in the second with a maiden. He remains a solid fantasy pick as he bowls in the powerplay and death overs.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

• Matt Henry.
• Tim Seifert.
• Kyle Jamieson.
• Shreyas Iyer.
• Mohammed Siraj.
• Axar Patel.

Other Stats and Important Matchups

• Head-to-head: India 64, New Zealand 52, N/R 8, tie 1.
• Kyle Jamieson vs. Rohit Sharma: 96 balls, 69 runs, four wickets.
• Matt Henry vs. Rohit Sharma: 59 balls, 59 runs, two wickets.
• Jacob Duffy vs. Virat Kohli: 28 balls, 38 runs, three wickets.
• Mohammed Siraj vs. Will Young: 40 balls, 17 runs, one wicket.

NZ vs IND 4th ODI 2026 Dream11 Prediction: Invest in India bowlers?

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Option 2: