Rohit Sharma takes a brilliant diving catch at short cover to send back dangerous-looking Finn Allen for 41 in NZ vs IND 2026 4th ODI [Watch]

Rohit Sharma produced a stunning moment in the field during the fourth ODI between India and New Zealand, taking a brilliant diving catch at short cover to dismiss the dangerous-looking Finn Allen for 41. The remarkable effort came at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Friday, November 13, as India looked to break New Zealand’s growing partnerships.

The 39-year-old veteran showed excellent reflexes and athleticism to complete the catch off Axar Patel’s bowling. Allen had been scoring quickly and appeared set to build another important partnership for the hosts before Rohit’s intervention brought his innings to an end.

Rohit Sharma Takes Stunning Diving Catch to Dismiss Finn Allen

The dismissal occurred on the second delivery of the 31st over of New Zealand’s innings. Axar Patel bowled a good-length delivery outside off stump, forcing Allen onto the back foot as he attempted to play a punch through the off side.

However, Allen failed to keep the shot along the ground. The ball travelled towards Rohit Sharma at short cover, where the Indian veteran reacted quickly and dived low to his right to complete an outstanding catch.

Rohit’s effort sent Allen back to the pavilion and gave India an important breakthrough at a stage when New Zealand were looking to accelerate their scoring.

The catch also highlighted Rohit’s continued contribution in the field, with the experienced batter demonstrating sharp reflexes and excellent awareness to hold on to a difficult opportunity.

Finn Allen Scores 41 Before Axar Patel Gets His Wicket

Finn Allen made an aggressive contribution of 41 runs from just 30 deliveries. His innings included five boundaries and two sixes, helping New Zealand maintain a healthy scoring rate during the middle overs.

Allen had combined with Will Young to build a 90-run partnership from 65 deliveries after the dismissal of the opening pair. Their stand had strengthened New Zealand’s position, making Allen’s wicket particularly important for India.

Axar Patel eventually ended the partnership by dismissing Allen, with Rohit completing the catch at short cover. Following the wicket, New Zealand were 215/4 after 30.2 overs.

Will Young Scores Fifth ODI Century Against India

While Allen provided an aggressive start to their partnership, Will Young continued to anchor New Zealand’s innings with a composed batting performance. The opener survived two dropped catches off successive deliveries in the second over before building an important opening partnership with Tim Seifert.

Young and Seifert added 85 runs from 72 deliveries for the first wicket. Seifert played an attacking innings, scoring 58 from 48 balls with six fours and three sixes before Gurnoor Brar dismissed him.

New Zealand then lost Nick Kelly and Dean Foxcroft in quick succession. Kelly managed only four runs from eight deliveries before falling to Axar Patel, while Foxcroft was dismissed for eight from 13 balls by Auqib Nabi.

Despite the wickets at the other end, Young continued to score freely and found another reliable partner in Allen. Their 90-run stand helped New Zealand recover and maintain momentum.

Young reached his fifth ODI century in the 32nd over, bringing up the milestone from 88 deliveries. It was also his first ODI hundred against India, adding further significance to his innings.

New Zealand Reach 221/4 After 33 Overs

At the time of writing, New Zealand had reached 221/4 after 33 overs in the fourth ODI. Young was unbeaten on 102 from 92 deliveries, while Michael Bracewell was batting on two from nine balls.

Young’s century had put the hosts in a strong position, but India’s bowlers had managed to take four wickets and prevent New Zealand from building an uninterrupted innings.

Axar Patel played an important role with two wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Allen. Rohit Sharma’s excellent catch provided the highlight of the passage of play, turning a mistimed shot into an important breakthrough for India.

Rohit Sharma’s Catch Gives India an Important Breakthrough

Rohit’s diving effort to dismiss Allen was one of the standout moments of the fourth ODI. The New Zealand batter had been scoring at a rapid pace, and his partnership with Young was beginning to put pressure on India’s bowling attack.

By completing the difficult catch at short cover, Rohit helped India remove a dangerous batter and gave Axar Patel another wicket. With Young still at the crease after reaching his century, India needed further breakthroughs to restrict New Zealand’s total.

The fourth ODI continued with Young leading the New Zealand innings, while India looked to use the momentum from Allen’s dismissal to take control of the remaining overs.