Glenn Phillips produced a sensational century before Jacob Duffy dismantled India’s batting line-up with a four-wicket haul as New Zealand registered a commanding 87-run victory in the fourth T20I on Friday.
Batting first, New Zealand piled up a massive 259/7, powered by Phillips’ blistering 107 off just 49 deliveries. His innings, which featured six boundaries and 10 sixes, helped the visitors post the highest T20I total against India.
For India, Mayank Yadav was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets for 48 runs. Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy chipped in with a wicket apiece, but the Indian attack struggled to contain New Zealand’s aggressive batting.
In response, India’s chase got off to a disastrous start as Duffy struck twice in the opening over. The New Zealand pacer dismissed Sanju Samson for four before sending Ishan Kishan back to the pavilion for a duck, leaving India under immediate pressure.
The hosts struggled to recover from the early setbacks, with Duffy returning to deliver another crucial blow in the middle overs. He dismissed Naman Dhir, who scored 28, and Arshdeep Singh for a duck off successive deliveries, effectively putting the result beyond India’s reach.
Duffy finished with impressive figures of 4/23, playing a decisive role in restricting India’s chase and securing a comprehensive victory for New Zealand.
The 87-run defeat highlighted India’s struggles against New Zealand’s powerful batting
