New Zealand vs India 4th ODI Preview & Tips - King Kohli backed for more runs as India power past New Zealand

Prior to the washed out third ODI, New Zealand have struggled to keep pace with India's bowling attack. While neither batting unit has shone, the Black Caps have twice been bowled out for well below 200. New Zealand's paltry totals of 185 and 134 have not proved enough, with India then battling to wins by five wickets and four runs.

Heading into the fourth ODI, the Black Caps have to find a way to deal with India's bowling unit. The bowlers of the home side have done a good job of curtailing India's scoring, with the travelling side posting scores of 143/5 and 113/7. While these scores have been posted in two chases, if the home side had gathered another 40 or so runs, things would have been a lot more awkward for the tourists. 

While the fourth ODI provides New Zealand with the chance to finally beat India after regrouping following the rained-off third ODI, their head to head against the Black Caps is poor. Eight defeats across their last 10 ODI meetings is a hugely disappointing return, and while New Zealand have the ability to challenge the tourists, the woes of their batting unit across their opening two means I am backing against them. 

The touring side have been indebted to their bowling attack across the series so far after bowling New Zealand out for 185 and 134. With the bat, they have been prone to the odd wobble, returning scores of 143/5 and 113/7. 

Any batting woes are generally put to bed when Virat Kohli is in form. Arguably India's greatest ever batter enjoyed a good start to the series with a score of 74 before he was dismissed for seven. With an average of 63.30 in the 50 over game in 2026, Kohli will be the main man for the touring side. 

If their talisman can hit the ground running with the bat in the fourth ODI, then India will give themselves an excellent chance of posting a good score and skittling New Zealand for the third successive meeting.