New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy delivered a sensational performance to surpass Trent Boult’s long-standing milestone during an emphatic 87-run victory over India in the fourth T20I at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday. Duffy finished with stellar figures of 4/23 from his allotted four overs, dismantling the visiting batting lineup and helping his side defend a massive total of 259.
With this brilliant bowling display, Duffy registered the best bowling figures by a New Zealand pace bowler against India in the shortest format of the game, eclipsing Boult’s previous benchmark of 4/34 established at Rajkot back in 2017. The win keeps New Zealand competitive in the ongoing series, though India still maintains a solid 3-1 lead with one final encounter remaining on the schedule.
Match Situation And Turning Points
New Zealand set the game up brilliantly with the bat after being asked to post a target. Glenn Phillips played a breathtaking knock, smashing 107 runs off just 49 deliveries with the help of six boundaries and 10 towering maximums. He was strongly supported by Michael Bracewell, who contributed a quickfire 65 off 25 balls, propelling the hosts to a colossal total of 259/7 in their 20 overs—the highest T20I total ever recorded against India.
- Jacob Duffy struck twice in the opening over of the run chase, dismissing openers Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan immediately.
- Duffy returned later to remove Naman Dhir and Arshdeep Singh, stalling any brief Indian recovery efforts.
- Mitchell Santner and Matthew Fisher chipped in with two wickets apiece to apply further pressure.
- Tilak Varma top-scored for India with 35 runs from 35 balls, but the visitors were ultimately restricted to 172/9 in 20 overs.
What Happens Next In The Series
Following this massive defeat, the touring Indian side will look to regroup quickly before the fifth and final T20I, which is scheduled to take place in Hamilton on November 1. While India already holds an unassailable series advantage at 3-1, New Zealand’s dominant all-around display in Auckland has completely shifted the momentum. The hosts will aim to carry this confidence forward into the upcoming fixtures, while India’s team management faces critical selection questions regarding their bench strength and bowling strategies ahead of major international tournaments.
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