New Zealand secured a commanding 87-run victory over India in the fourth T20 International on Friday, delivering the complete performance they had been searching for throughout the series. Glenn Phillips spearheaded the batting effort with a sensational century, while fast bowler Jacob Duffy dismantled the Indian top order during a stellar opening spell at the venue.
Despite India having already wrapped up the five-year series by winning the first three encounters, the hosts produced a dominant display to cut the deficit to 3-1. Asked to bat first, New Zealand posted a massive total of 259/7, which stands as the highest T20I total ever recorded against India. In response, the visitors struggled significantly against extra bounce and pace, eventually folding for 172/9 inside their allotted twenty overs.
Match Highlights and Key Performances
- Glenn Phillips hammered an unbeaten 107 off just 49 balls, recording his third T20I century with a towering straight six.
- Jacob Duffy wrecked the Indian chase immediately, claiming figures of 4/23 and dismissing Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan in the very first over.
- Michael Bracewell played a destructive knock of 65 runs from only 25 deliveries, adding a blistering 115-run partnership with Phillips.
- Mayank Yadav was the pick of the Indian bowlers with genuine pace in the mid-140kph range, while Arshdeep Singh claimed his milestone 150th T20I wicket.
Chase Unravels After Early Blows
Chasing a daunting target of 260 required a strong foundation, but India’s batting lineup collapsed early under relentless pressure from Duffy. The tourists slipped to 61/4 after the powerplay and never recovered their momentum. Captain Shreyas Iyer tried to stabilize the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma, who contributed 27 runs, but regular breakthroughs from the home bowlers kept the scoring rate in check. Adam Milne and Mitchell Santner applied further pressure in the middle overs, ensuring the required run rate climbed out of reach. Santner claimed two vital wickets while conceding just 23 runs. The emphatic win gives New Zealand crucial momentum heading into the final matches of the tour.
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