New Zealand playing XI - (Source: AFP)
On Wednesday, January 28, India will lock horns against New Zealand for the fourth and penultimate T20I of the five-match series. It will be a dead-rubber encounter because the hosts have already clinched the series 3-0.
New Zealand were totally outclassed in the 3rd T20I as Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav’s heroics helped the Men in Blue chase down 153 runs in just 10 overs. It was an embarrassing defeat for the Blackcaps and defenitely confidence shattering, given the T20 World Cup 2026 is less than a fortnight away.
Since New Zealand have already lost the series, they have options on the bench and can try out new options. Further, the Kiwis have been boosted with the inclusion of Jimmy Neesham and Kyle Jamieson for the fourth T20I. Therefore, this article will shed light on New Zealand’s probable XI for the fourth T20I.
New Zealand likely Playing XI vs India - 4th T20I
Openers and Top Order - Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell
New Zealand are likely to get rid of Devon Conway, who has struggled in the entire tour. Notably, the former CSK star has amassed just 20 runs in three innings, averaging only 6.67. His best came in the 2nd T20I, where he scored 19 (9).
Finn Allen has been added to the set-up, but will only be available for the last T20I. Therefore, for the upcoming T20I, New Zealand are likely to promote Rachin Ravindra up the order to open with Tim Seifert.
Rest, Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell with the bat at No. 3 and No.4 as they have been the two best batters in this tour. Phillips has amassed 145 runs in three innings, while Mitchell has 60 runs in three innings, averaging 20.
Middle Order and All-Rounders - Mark Chapman, Jimmy Neesham, and Mitchell Santner
In the middle-order, Mark Chapman, who was under the scanner, rose to the occasion in 3rd T20I, where he amassed 32 (23), and is likely to be retained for the 4th T20I as well. Rest, Jimmy Neesham, who missed the first three T20Is because of BPL commitment, will return to the line-up because of a freed-up space in the middle-order after Conway’s exit.
Neesham’s inclusion will help New Zealand have an added batter and also a player who can chip in with the ball. Besides Neesham, Mitchell Santner will also look after the middle-order as he amassed quickfire 27 (17).
Bowlers: Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, and Jacob Duffy
Kyle Jamieson is not having a great T20I series to remember. The right-arm quick has just two wickets in two innings. Further, he has been leaking runs and has given away 71 runs in five overs he has bowled in the series.
New Zealand have had a boost in the form of Lockie Ferguson, who will replace Kyle Jamieson in the playing XI for the 4th T20I. Talking about Ferguson's recent performance, the 34-year-old played the ILT20 2025-26, where he picked up five wickets in five innings.
Further, Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy need no introduction as the two seamers will spearhead the bowling attack even in T20 World Cup 2026 for the Kiwis.
New Zealand's predicted playing XI for India, 4th T20I, 2026
Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner (C), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
