New Zealand halted India's momentum in the five-match T20I series on Friday, delivering a commanding 87-run victory at
After winning the toss and electing to field, India faced an onslaught from the New Zealand lineup. The hosts posted a formidable 259/7, marking their highest-ever total in the format and eclipsing their previous record of 254/5 against Scotland. The total also stands as the highest ever conceded by India in
Phillips and Bracewell dismantle Indian attack
Glenn Phillips was the architect of the New Zealand innings, hammering 107 off just 49 balls. His explosive knock featured 10 sixes and six fours, marking his third century in the format. He was supported by Michael Bracewell, who contributed a rapid 65 from 25 deliveries. The pair combined for a decisive 115-run partnership for the fifth wicket, which came in just 40 balls, effectively taking the game away from the visitors.
Early contributions from Finn Allen, who scored 31 off 17, and Daryl Mitchell, who added 24 from nine balls, set the aggressive tone. While Mayank Yadav emerged as India's most successful bowler with figures of 3/48, the rest of the attack struggled under the pressure. Arshdeep Singh, who claimed one wicket, reached a personal milestone during the match by becoming the first Indian bowler to reach 150 T20I wickets.
India falters in pursuit of 260
The chase began in disastrous fashion for India, with Jacob Duffy striking twice in the opening over. Duffy removed Sanju Samson for four and Ishan Kishan for a duck, leaving the visitors reeling early. Despite brief cameos from Abhishek Sharma (27 off 15), Shreyas Iyer (22 off 11), and Naman Dhir (28 off 13), India was unable to establish the substantial partnerships required to challenge the target.
Tilak Varma provided some resistance with 35 off 35 balls, but the New Zealand bowling unit remained disciplined. Duffy finished as the standout performer with 4/23, while Matthew Fisher claimed two wickets and Mitchell Santner added two more to his tally. India concluded their innings at 172/9, falling well short of the mammoth target.
The match saw two changes to the Indian side, with Ishan Kishan and Mayank Yadav returning to the XI in place of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. With the series currently at 3-1, the two teams are set to meet for the final match of the series on Sunday at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
