India have secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20 series against New Zealand, with two matches remaining. The fourth match will be played in Auckland on October 30, followed by the fifth and final match in Hamilton on November 1. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 12:30 pm Indian Standard Time (IST).
The fourth T20I between India and New Zealand will be played on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Eden Park in Auckland. The match is scheduled to begin at 8 pm local time in New Zealand, corresponding to 12:30 pm IST.
The third match was played in Wellington on October 27, giving both teams a two-day interval before the next fixture.
Eden Park is known for its short boundaries, which provide batters with opportunities to play big shots. Fast bowlers may also find assistance during the opening overs.
The fifth and final match of the series will take place on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Seddon Park in Hamilton. The match will begin at 12:30 pm IST.
India have already secured the series title, so the results of the remaining two matches will not affect the series winner. However, India have the opportunity to complete a 5-0 clean sweep, while New Zealand will look to win the final two matches on home soil.
India began the series with a match against New Zealand in Christchurch on October 22. New Zealand scored 225 runs batting first, but India chased down the target by scoring 230 for six in 19.4 overs to secure a four-wicket victory.
The second match was played at the same venue on October 24. New Zealand posted 180 runs, setting India a target of 181. India reached the target in 19.5 overs, losing six wickets, to win by four wickets again.
In the third match, played in Wellington on October 27, New Zealand scored 198 for three in 20 overs. India responded with 199 for four in just 13.2 overs, winning by six wickets and taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.
India opener Abhishek Sharma scored 113 off just 38 balls in the third T20I. His innings included 11 sixes and nine fours, and he reached his century in 35 balls.
Young batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi also made a quick start, scoring 45 off 19 deliveries. The pair shared a 133-run partnership for the first wicket, helping India chase down the target of 199 with six wickets remaining.
India's batters will have further opportunities to perform in the remaining two matches, with Abhishek Sharma among those to watch as the series continues.
Following the T20I series, India will play a five-match ODI series against New Zealand. The first ODI is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, in Auckland and will begin at 7:30 am IST.
The second ODI will be played in Wellington on November 7, followed by the third in Hamilton on November 10. The fourth match is scheduled for November 13 in Mount Maunganui, while the fifth and final ODI will take place at the same venue on November 15.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced separate squads for the ODI series. Shubman Gill will captain India in the first three matches, while Shreyas Iyer will lead the team in the final two ODIs.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are also part of the ODI squad.
The 2027 ODI World Cup, scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, is another milestone on the international calendar. For now, attention remains on the fourth and fifth T20Is scheduled for October 30 and November 1, respectively. Match timings, scores and team updates are available on the BCCI's official website.
