A first ever series victory on Indian soil is one win away from the BLACKCAPS, as they settle into Vizakhaptnam for their winner take all fifth and final ODI on Saturday (9pm NZT).
A clinical team performance in Ranchi on Wednesday night saw them overcome the hosts by 19 runs and square the series up at 2-all.
Even getting to a series decider is rarified air for a New Zealand One Day side - having won just five out of 27 games against the hosts at home before this tour.
Senior man Ross Taylor knows as well as any how tough the sub continent assignment is and said a series victory would be something truly special for the group.
“We can’t wait for Vizag and game five,” he said on departure from Ranchi.
“They’re a very good side in general, but in their own conditions they are outstanding.
“It shows a lot of character to get to this point. Not only about the players but also the management. It’s been four months on the road and it does become tough, but we’re going into a decider so it’s pretty easy to get up for.”
A three nill defeat in the Tests and an opening loss in ODI game one had many writing the BLACKCAPS tour off, but Taylor said they never stopped believing they could pull it back.
“We’ve stuck together and kept backing ourselves. Hopefully we can continue the progress we’ve made over the last few games.”
Taylor believes they got the balance right in game four - playing with six bowling options.
“It gave Kane a bit of leeway with his bowling changes. It’s always good when you can bring in new players and they step up straight away.”
The squad will train one final time on Friday afternoon - where they will also have a chance to assess conditions before the winner take all encounter.
“It’s pretty exciting times. You don’t offer win series away, especially in the sub continent, so hopefully we can go one better than we have in the past.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge, we know what we need to do to win so hopefully we can replicate how we played in game four.”
You can catch all the action live on SKY SPORTS and also follow the behind the scenes build up on our Twitter and Instagram - @BLACKCAPS.
