Ranchi ODI: India restrict Kiwis to 260-7 despite Guptill blitz

Ranchi [India], Oct.26 (ANI): Indian bowlers brought their side back on track to restrict New Zealand to a total of 260 runs within their stipulated 50 overs in the crucial fourth ODI of the five-match series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex here on Wednesday. After winning the first toss of the tour in eight matches, and opting to bat first, New Zealand made a bright start to their innings, with openers Martin Guptill (72) and Tom Latham (39) sharing a solid 96-run stand for opening wicket. Following Guptill's dismissal, Kane Williamson (41) and Ross Taylor (35) kept the scoreboard ticking at a steady pace. It looked as if the visitors will cross a 300-plus total initially but since Williamson's departure, they just couldn't build a partnership. India then steadily made their way back into the match, with Amit Mishra claiming two important wickets of Williamson and James Neesham (six). Besides Mishra, Umesh Yadav, Dinesh Kulkarni,Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel also chipped in with a wicket each. India are currently leading the five-match series 2-1 following their seven-wicket win in third match in Mohali. India won the opening match by six wickets before suffering a narrow six-run defeat in Delhi. (ANI)