India Fall 87 Runs Short at Eden Park, Iyer Looks Ahead

India were beaten by 87 runs by New Zealand in the fourth T20 International at Eden Park in Auckland, and captain Shreyas Iyer was quick to identify the team's weak spot. He said the bowling had been below par and had let the side down.

New Zealand's batting was the story of the day. Glenn Phillips scored 107 runs from 49 balls, hitting 10 sixes and 6 fours. Michael Bracewell also played a significant role with 65 runs from 25 balls, including 6 sixes and 4 fours. The pair helped New Zealand reach 259 for 7 after Iyer won the toss and asked the hosts to bat.

After the match, Iyer said India had been a little behind in their bowling from the beginning. He pointed to the third over of the powerplay as a key moment when New Zealand gained control. While some bowlers had tried their best, he felt Phillips had been the difference, complimenting his big hitting and consistency across the series.

India's chase never gained real traction. They finished on 172 for 9 in their 20 overs. Mayank Yadav took 3 wickets, the best figures for the Indian bowlers. Tilak Varma was the highest run-scorer for India with 35, but no batter reached a fifty.

For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy was the pick of the bowlers with 4 wickets. Matt Fisher and Mitchell Santner took 2 wickets apiece, and Adam Milne added 1 wicket.

With the series still alive, Iyer said the team must assess its performance carefully before the fifth T20 in Hamilton on Sunday. He said the side would aim to play to its full ability in the next match.