New Zealand brought a definitive end to India’s long-standing dominance on Kiwi soil, securing a comprehensive 87-run victory in the fourth T20I at Eden Park on Friday. The result snapped a remarkable 10-match unbeaten streak that India had maintained against the hosts in New Zealand since 2020, marking a significant turnaround for the Black Caps in the five-match series.
Despite the heavy defeat, India remains in control of the series with a 3-1 lead. However, the nature of the loss—India's second-largest by runs in T20I history—highlighted a rare collapse against a New Zealand side that finally clicked in all three facets of the game.
Record-breaking batting display sets the tone
After India elected to bowl first, the hosts produced a clinical batting performance, posting a massive 259/7. This total stands as New Zealand’s highest-ever score in
The duo shared a pivotal 115-run partnership for the fifth wicket, coming in just 41 balls, which effectively took the game away from the visitors. Phillips was particularly destructive in the 16th over, taking 32 runs off Nitish Kumar Reddy, including four consecutive sixes. While Mayank Yadav finished as India's most successful bowler with 3/48, the rest of the attack struggled to contain the onslaught. Notably, Arshdeep Singh claimed one wicket, becoming the first Indian bowler to reach 150 T20I wickets.
Duffy dismantles Indian chase
Facing a daunting target of 260, India’s pursuit faltered immediately. Jacob Duffy delivered a devastating opening spell, removing Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan in the first over to leave the visitors reeling. Although Abhishek Sharma and captain Shreyas Iyer attempted a brief recovery with a 46-run stand, the pressure proved too great. Once Matthew Fisher broke that partnership, the Indian middle order struggled to maintain the required run rate.
Tilak Varma top-scored for the visitors with 35, while Naman Dhir provided a late cameo of 28 from 13 balls. However, the disciplined New Zealand bowling attack, led by Duffy’s career-best 4/23, ensured there was no path back for India. Mitchell Santner and Fisher also contributed two wickets each, restricting India to 172/9 at the close of their 20 overs. The teams are now set to conclude the series at Seddon Park in Hamilton this Sunday.
