IND vs NZ 4th T20I Today, January 28 2026: Match Preview, Prediction

India vs New Zealand 4th T20I Preview: Match Prediction, Playing XI & Key Players to Watch

India is all set to continue their dominance when they face New Zealand in the 4th T20I at Visakhapatnam on January 28, 2026. With the series already sealed 3-0, the Men in Blue will look to maintain their winning momentum ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Match Details: Date, Time & Venue

 Match: India vs New Zealand 4th T20I
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM IST (Toss at 6:30 PM IST)
Venue: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam

The picturesque coastal venue in Vizag is known for its batting-friendly conditions and is expected to witness a full house as local fans turn up in massive numbers to support Team India.

Series So Far: India's Complete Domination

The India vs New Zealand T20I series has been a one-sided affair so far. India won all three matches convincingly:

• 1st T20I (Nagpur): India won by 48 runs after posting 238/7
• 2nd T20I (Raipur): India chased down 209 in just 15.2 overs
• 3rd T20I (Guwahati): India won by 8 wickets, chasing 154 in just 10 overs

With the series already in the bag, both teams will use this match to finalize their combinations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Pitch Report & Weather Conditions

Visakhapatnam Pitch Analysis

The ACA-VDCA Stadium pitch is traditionally batting-friendly with true bounce that helps stroke-makers. The last T20I here in November 2023 saw India chase down 209 against Australia, indicating high-scoring potential.

Key Pitch Characteristics:

• Excellent batting surface with consistent bounce
• Spinners tend to get grip in the middle overs
• Average first innings score: 175-185
• Dew factor could play a role in the evening
• Chasing teams have a slight advantage

Weather Update for January 28, 2026

Perfect cricket weather is expected in Visakhapatnam:

• Temperature: 24-29°C (Pleasant conditions)
• Humidity: Around 82%
• Conditions: Clear skies with minimal rain chances
• Wind: Gentle breeze from southwest

The pleasant weather conditions should ensure uninterrupted play with no rain threat.

India Probable Playing XI

Captain Suryakumar Yadav is likely to stick with the winning combination, though Sanju Samson needs a big score to cement his World Cup spot.

India's Expected Playing XI:

1. Sanju Samson (wk)
2. Abhishek Sharma
3. Ishan Kishan
4. Suryakumar Yadav (c)
5. Rinku Singh
6. Shivam Dube
7. Hardik Pandya
8. Harshit Rana
9. Ravi Bishnoi
10. Kuldeep Yadav
11. Jasprit Bumrah

Team News: Tilak Varma remains out due to injury, giving Ishan Kishan another opportunity to stake his World Cup claim at No. 3.

New Zealand Probable Playing XI

The Kiwis are desperate to avoid a series whitewash and will look for improved performance from their top order.

New Zealand's Expected Playing XI:

1. Devon Conway
2. Tim Seifert (wk)
3. Rachin Ravindra
4. Glenn Phillips
5. Mark Chapman
6. Daryl Mitchell
7. Mitchell Santner (c)
8. Kyle Jamieson
9. Matt Henry
10. Ish Sodhi
11. Jacob Duffy

Team News: Lockie Ferguson might return from calf injury, adding firepower to the bowling attack.

Key Players to Watch

From Team India

Abhishek Sharma - The explosive opener has been the star of this series with scores of 84 and 68. His 14-ball fifty in the 3rd T20I was sensational, and he'll look to continue his red-hot form. In 2025, he's scored over 1000 T20I runs at a strike rate above 200!

Suryakumar Yadav - Back in form with 57* in the last match, the Indian captain is just 41 runs away from 3000 T20I runs. SKY loves the true bounce at Vizag and could be dangerous.

Jasprit Bumrah - The world's best T20I bowler picked up 3/17 in his comeback match. His death bowling will be crucial on this batting paradise.

Ishan Kishan - The wicketkeeper-batter has grabbed his opportunity with both hands, scoring 76 and 28 in his comeback series. He's challenging Sanju Samson for the World Cup spot.

From New Zealand

Glenn Phillips - New Zealand's most consistent performer this series with scores of 78 and 48. He's kept the Kiwis in contests and will be key again.

Mitchell Santner - The captain needs to inspire his team to avoid a clean sweep. His all-round abilities will be tested in Vizag.

Ish Sodhi - Just 5 wickets away from becoming New Zealand's highest T20I wicket-taker, overtaking Tim Southee. He's on 160 wickets currently.

Head-to-Head Stats: India vs New Zealand in T20Is

India has enjoyed the upper hand in T20I battles against the Kiwis:

Overall T20I Record:

• Matches Played: 25
• India Wins: 14
• New Zealand Wins: 10
• Tied: 1

Recent Form:

• India: W-W-W-W-W (Last 5 T20Is)
• New Zealand: L-L-L-W-W (Last 5 T20Is)

In India: India has been particularly dominant at home against New Zealand, winning 8 out of 14 T20Is played on Indian soil.

Match Prediction: Who Will Win?

Based on current form, conditions, and team combinations, India starts as overwhelming favorites for the 4th T20I.

Factors Favoring India:

• Unstoppable batting lineup firing on all cylinders
• Home advantage and crowd support
• Better spin bowling options for middle overs
• World-class death bowling with Bumrah
• Psychological edge after 3-0 lead

New Zealand's Best Chances:

• Early wickets with the new ball
• Glenn Phillips continuing his good form
• Exploiting India's potential experimentation
• Making full use of the batting-friendly pitch

Our Prediction: India to win by 25-30 runs or 5-6 wickets

The Men in Blue are peaking at the right time ahead of the World Cup and should complete a 4-0 series lead in Visakhapatnam.

Where to Watch

Indian fans can catch all the live action on Star Sports Network and stream it on Disney+ Hotstar. The match begins at 7:00 PM IST on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Final Thoughts

The India vs New Zealand 4th T20I promises to be another thrilling encounter at the scenic Visakhapatnam venue. While India has already sealed the series, both teams will be keen to test their World Cup combinations in ideal conditions.

For India, it's about maintaining winning momentum and giving fringe players opportunities. For New Zealand, it's about restoring pride and finding answers before the big tournament.

With explosive batters like Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Glenn Phillips likely to be in action, cricket fans are in for a run-fest at the ACA-VDCA Stadium. Don't miss what could be another high-scoring spectacle under the Vizag lights!

What's your prediction for this match? Will India complete a 4-0 lead, or can New Zealand bounce back? Share your thoughts in the comments below!