India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer acknowledged that the team ‘fell short’ in their bowling performance during an 87-run defeat to New Zealand in the fourth T20I, praising Glenn Phillips for his match-winning century.
“I think we fell a bit short in our bowling to start with. Powerplay, especially in the third over, they got that momentum from there on, and yeah, couple of bowlers, they tried to squeeze in, but I think exceptional knock by Glenn. Some phenomenal shots, which were like pure bliss. So kudos to him. He’s been consistent throughout the series, so a lot to learn from him,” Iyer said at the post-match presentation.
Glenn Phillips scored 107 runs from 49 deliveries, including six fours and 10 sixes, while Michael Bracewell added a rapid 65 off 25 balls as New Zealand reached 259 for 7 after batting first. Their 115-run partnership in just 40 deliveries revitalised New Zealand’s innings following the loss of two early wickets.
India’s chase was undermined as Jacob Duffy claimed two wickets in the opening over, dismissing Sanju Samson for four and Ishan Kishan for a duck. Duffy finished with figures of 4 for 23. Mitchell Santner and Matthew Fisher also contributed with two wickets each as India were limited to 172 for 9 in their 20 overs.
Iyer, who scored 22 runs off 11 balls with four boundaries, said the team would need to review their overall performance and improve execution ahead of the series decider.
“I feel that it’s important to retrospect, see where we can actually bounce back, coming into Hamilton and just a day off. So I personally feel that we can probably go back to the drawing board and see to it we analyse and try to execute to the best of our abilities in the next game,” he added.
The Indian captain also noted that adapting to New Zealand’s conditions and ground dimensions presented a challenge for some players, particularly those experiencing such conditions for the first time.
“Conversation was just that we knew that the dimensions are going to be like this, and some of them, it’s their first time playing on such grounds. So it takes a bit of time for them to adapt to the challenge. It’s not that easy, I understand that, but the way they executed the first three games, it was magnificent, and yeah, this is just a learning curve, I feel, that next time when they come here, they would probably have a better idea on how to go about their business. So a great learning curve, and hopefully we come back positive in the next game,” Iyer said.
Despite the loss, India maintain an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series, having won the first three games. The fifth and final T20I is scheduled to take place in Hamilton.