NZ vs IND Match Prediction : 4th ODI, India tour of New Zealand 2026

New Zealand face India in the fourth ODI of the India tour of New Zealand 2026 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on November 13. India lead the five-match series 2-0 after winning the opening two matches, while the third ODI in Hamilton was abandoned due to rain. The hosts now need victories in both remaining games to avoid a series defeat, but they will have to do so with a considerably reshuffled squad.

With better weather and a more batting-friendly surface expected at Mount Maunganui, both teams will be hoping for a more traditional ODI contest after two difficult matches for the batters.

Head-to-Head Record

India hold a slight advantage with two wins from the last three meetings.

New Zealand Preview

New Zealand will be hoping that the change in conditions at Bay Oval allows their batters to play with greater freedom. Finn Allen is expected to return to the ODI side. Tim Seifert is likely to open alongside him in the revised combination, with Will Young providing stability at number three. Nick Kelly and Mitch Hay are expected to feature in the middle order, while Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner offer valuable all-round ability.

Dean Foxcroft adds another batting option and can contribute with his off-spin. The absence of Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips and Tom Latham is a major setback, as all three would normally play important roles in the middle order. Seifert has an important opportunity to establish himself in the ODI format, having received an extended run in the side because of injuries and squad changes.

The bowling attack will also have a different look as New Zealand manage their resources ahead of the Test series. Matt Henry remains with the ODI squad for this match and will be keen to get some overs before joining his Test team-mates. Kyle Jamieson provides height and bounce, while Jacob Duffy has been a reliable pace option. Matt Fisher and Kristian Clarke are also in contention for the remaining seam-bowling positions. Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell will provide the spin options, with Santner's control particularly important in the middle overs.

Brett Randell is another interesting addition. The 31-year-old Central Districts fast bowler has taken 100 wickets in 55 List A matches at an average of 22.74 and made headlines earlier this year by taking five wickets in five consecutive balls in first-class cricket. He has earned his maiden ODI call-up, although a debut is not guaranteed.

With Blair Tickner unavailable following his concussion, New Zealand will need their remaining fast bowlers to deliver disciplined spells against India's experienced batting order.

Predicted Playing XI

India Preview

India have made a few changes to their squad for the final two ODIs, but their batting line-up remains strong. With Shubman Gill joining the Test camp, Ishan Kishan is expected to open alongside Rohit Sharma. Kishan's aggressive approach could give India a different dynamic at the top, while Rohit will look to use his experience to provide a strong start.

Virat Kohli remains a key figure at number three, and Shreyas Iyer will take over the captaincy and bat in the middle order. Iyer has had a difficult time against the short ball in the first two matches, but the conditions at Mount Maunganui should be more favourable for stroke-making. Ruturaj Gaikwad is another option in the batting order, while Naman Dhir provides flexibility and all-round depth.

Axar Patel adds valuable batting quality lower down the order. India have enough experience to handle the conditions, but the captaincy change and the reshuffling of the opening combination will make this an important opportunity for the players to establish their roles ahead of the final ODI.

The bowling department has also undergone a change, with Anshul Kamboj leaving the ODI squad to join the Test group. Mohammed Siraj could finally get an opportunity, having played very little international cricket since the tour of Sri Lanka in August. His ability to generate movement and maintain pressure with the new ball would give India an experienced seam option alongside Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar.

Auqib Nabi is another pace option, while Kuldeep Yadav remains in the squad and could come into the playing XI if India decide that the conditions justify a second specialist spinner.

Predicted Playing XI

Toss Prediction

The captain winning the toss may prefer to bat first and put a competitive total on the board. With better batting conditions expected, making the most of the first innings could be important.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

Bay Oval should offer a more batting-friendly surface than the seam-friendly pitches seen in Auckland and Hamilton. The expectation is that batters will have more opportunities to play their natural ODI game, although the new ball could still provide some movement for the seamers. The ground has seen an average first-innings score of around 268 in ODIs, making a total in the 270–290 range a useful benchmark.

The forecast points to cool temperatures around 15.6 degrees Celsius with high humidity and scattered clouds, light winds, and partial cloud cover, which may aid swing early before easing later.

Check the latest cricket betting sites as markets adjust to India’s touring momentum. When we state our winner below, you can also browse our broader slate of cricket predictions and tips for context on form and matchup edges.

Our Prediction

India are our favourites to win the fourth ODI and secure the five-match series. Their bowling attack has been considerably more effective than New Zealand's in the completed matches, restricting the hosts to modest totals and taking wickets at regular intervals. New Zealand's batting has also been weakened by the departures of Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips and Tom Latham, leaving a less experienced middle order to face India's attack.

India retain the greater depth and experience, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer leading the batting line-up. We expect India to make the most of the opportunity and secure the series with another victory.

Bet on India to win.