The match saw New Zealand dominate with the bat after being sent in, posting a formidable 259/7. The hosts' aggressive approach ultimately led to an 87-run victory, allowing them to trim India's series lead to 3-1. For Reddy, the day was defined by a difficult 16th over, during which
A record-setting display of power hitting
The New Zealand innings was anchored by a spectacular performance from Phillips, who reached his half-century in 31 balls before accelerating to a 49-ball 107. This effort marked his third T20I century. While Reddy eventually claimed the wicket of Phillips, the batter had already done significant damage alongside Michael Bracewell, who contributed a rapid 65 off 25 balls. The pair combined for a 115-run partnership in just 41 deliveries for the fifth wicket, propelling the Black Caps to their highest-ever T20I total against India.
Reddy’s figures of 64 runs conceded now sit alongside those of Yuzvendra Chahal, who leaked the same amount against South Africa in 2018, and Varun Chakravarthy, who returned identical figures against England in 2026. The record for the most expensive spell by an Indian bowler remains with Prasidh Krishna, who conceded 68 runs against Australia in 2023.
India's bowling struggles and failed chase
The visitors faced immense pressure during the latter half of the innings, conceding 151 runs between overs 11 and 20. This tally stands as the second-most runs India has allowed in that specific phase of a T20I, trailing only the 151 runs scored by South Africa in Guwahati in 2022. The bowling unit struggled to contain the momentum generated by the New Zealand middle order throughout the closing stages of the first innings.
In response, India’s chase faltered immediately. Jacob Duffy struck twice in the opening over, dismissing both Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan to set the tone for the remainder of the innings. Despite the efforts of the middle and lower order, the visitors were unable to recover, eventually finishing on 172/9. The result leaves the series at 3-1, with New Zealand successfully keeping their hopes alive following a comprehensive performance in Auckland.
