India Lose 4th T20I: Iyer Cites Early Bowling Struggles

Auckland, October 30: Indian captain Shreyas Iyer has acknowledged that his team's bowling fell short of expectations in the fourth T20I against New Zealand, which India lost by 87 runs at Eden Park on Friday.

According to Iyer, the home side gained the upper hand early in the innings. He identified the powerplay, and specifically the third over, as the phase in which New Zealand built momentum that proved decisive.

New Zealand recorded their first victory of the five-match series. Glenn Phillips struck an unbeaten-style hurricane knock of 107 off 49 balls, while Michael Bracewell scored 65 off 25 deliveries. The total of 259/7 is the highest T20 score New Zealand have ever posted.

Chasing that target, India finished on 172/9 after their 20 overs. Jacob Duffy was the standout bowler for the hosts, returning figures of four wickets.

Iyer was candid in his assessment of the performance. He said India's bowlers had struggled at the start and gave full credit to Phillips for his innings. "I think we were a bit lacking in the beginning with the ball," Iyer said. "In the powerplay, especially the third over, they found their rhythm. Some of our bowlers tried to exert pressure, but Glenn batted superbly. He hit some clean, classy shots, and it was a delight to watch. Well played to him. He has been excellent throughout the series, and there is plenty to learn from his approach."

The captain added that the team would review its performance carefully and work on improving its planning and execution before the fifth T20I in Hamilton. "Looking back is necessary to understand where we can bounce back," he said. "We will have a short break before going to Hamilton. We have to refine our plans, analyse the match, and aim to perform to our full potential in the next game."

Iyer also said that adjusting to the dimensions of New Zealand's grounds had been a challenge for some Indian players, especially those who were playing in these conditions for the first time. Despite the loss, he praised the squad's efforts in the first three matches and encouraged the team to treat this defeat as a learning opportunity.

"We had discussed that the grounds would be this size, and for some players it was their first time on such grounds," Iyer said. "That is why adapting takes a while. I know it is not easy, but the way they played in the first three games was impressive. I think this is a good experience to learn from. When they come here next time, they will have a better understanding of how to play. It has been a great chance to learn, and we hope to come back with a positive attitude in the next match."

India had already won the first three matches to take an unassailable-looking lead in the series. The defeat has reduced their advantage to 3-1, and the two teams will now meet in the fifth T20I in Hamilton, where India will look to wrap up the series with a victory.