Glenn Phillips scored a century alongside fast bowler Jacob Duffy’s four-wicket haul as New Zealand produced a complete performance to secure a dominant 87-run victory over India in the fourth T20 International on Friday.
Although the Shreyas Iyer-led Indian side had already sealed the five-match series by winning the opening three games, the Black Caps finally opened their account to bring the series scoreline to 3-1.
Put into bat, New Zealand posted 259 for seven, the highest T20I total ever recorded against India. The innings was built on Phillips’ magnificent 49-ball 107 and his explosive fifth-wicket partnership of 115 runs off just 41 deliveries with Michael Bracewell (65 off 25 balls).
After early strikes from Mayank Yadav removed Tim Seifert (3) and Daryl Mitchell (24), Phillips stabilised the innings alongside Finn Allen (31) with a 59-run stand. Following Allen’s departure, Phillips and Bracewell unleashed an extraordinary assault on the Indian bowling attack. Phillips reached his half-century in 31 balls before smashing Nitish Reddy for four consecutive sixes in a 32-run 16th over.
Phillips eventually completed his third T20I century off 46 balls before falling to Reddy. Despite his departure, New Zealand plundered 85 runs from the final five overs. In a notable personal milestone during the death overs, Arshdeep Singh claimed his 150th T20I wicket, becoming the first Indian bowler to reach the landmark.
Jacob Duffy shines as India suffer rare top-order collapse
Chasing a daunting target, India required a fiery start but suffered a swift breakdown. Jacob Duffy (4/23) struck twice in the opening over, dismissing both Sanju Samson (4) and Ishan Kishan (0).
India failed to recover from the double blow, with their highest partnership being a brief 46-run stand between skipper Shreyas Iyer (22) and (27). Matthew Fisher removed Abhishek, while Adam Milne clean-bowled Iyer with a 143 kmph delivery.
Mitchell Santner (2/23) maintained tight control during the post-powerplay phase as India reached 61 for four after six overs before steadily losing wickets. The visitors were eventually restricted to 172 for nine, handing New Zealand a resounding victory.
India have won the series 3-1, with one final match to be played on Sunday.