New Zealand bounced back in style to register their first win of the five-match T20I series, defeating India by 87 runs in the fourth match at Eden Park, Auckland, on Friday. Glenn Phillips’ brilliant century and Jacob Duffy’s four-wicket haul helped the hosts end India’s winning run in the series.
Chasing a massive target of 260, India struggled to build partnerships and finished at 172/9 in their 20 overs. The visitors had already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series, which now stands at 3-1.
The defeat was India’s second-biggest loss by runs in T20I cricket. Their heaviest defeat remains the 125-run loss against England in Nottingham in July 2026.
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Jacob Duffy Rocks India With Two Wickets In First Over
India’s chase got off to a disastrous start as Duffy struck twice in the opening over. Sanju Samson, who continued as an opener in place of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, managed just four runs before being dismissed. Ishan Kishan, brought into the playing XI as Sooryavanshi’s replacement, fell for a three-ball duck.
Abhishek Sharma tried to counterattack with 27 runs, but Matthew Fisher removed him in the fifth over. Shreyas Iyer also failed to stay for long, getting bowled by Adam Milne for 22 as India lost four wickets inside the powerplay.
Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy attempted to steady the innings, but Mitchell Santner dismissed the latter for 21. Naman Dhir added 28 runs, while Tilak top-scored for India with 35.
Duffy returned to dismiss Naman and Arshdeep Singh, finishing with impressive figures of 4/23 in his four overs. Fisher and Santner picked up two wickets each, while Milne claimed one.
Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell Power New Zealand To Record Total
Earlier, New Zealand put up a massive 259/7 after being asked to bat first. Phillips led the charge with a sensational 107 off 49 balls, while Michael Bracewell smashed 65 from just 25 deliveries.
The pair added 115 runs for the fifth wicket, taking the Indian bowling attack apart. Their partnership helped New Zealand register the highest T20I total against India, going past England’s previous record of 257/3.
Phillips also reached his third T20I century in just 46 balls. He was particularly severe against Nitish Kumar Reddy, smashing four consecutive sixes in the 16th over as 32 runs came off it.
Mayank Yadav was India’s leading wicket-taker with 3/48, while Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed one wicket each.
Arshdeep Singh Reaches Historic T20I Milestone
Despite India’s defeat, Arshdeep had a personal milestone to celebrate. He became the first Indian bowler to take 150 wickets in T20I cricket after dismissing New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner.
India will now look to bounce back in the fifth and final T20I after New Zealand reduced the series deficit to 3-1.
Brief Scores
New Zealand 259/7 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 107, Michael Bracewell 65; Mayank Yadav 3-48, Arshdeep Singh 1-38) beat India (Tilak Varma 35, Naman Dhir 28; Jacob Duffy 4-23, Mitchell Santner 2-24) by 87 runs