Phillips Century and Duffy Haul Power New Zealand Past India

Auckland, October 30: New Zealand registered a dominant 87-run victory over India in the fourth T20 match, with a century-making innings from Glenn Phillips and a standout bowling effort from Jacob Duffy shaping the result.

Phillips smashed 107 runs from 49 balls, guiding New Zealand to a formidable 259 for 7 in their 20 overs. His aggressive intent set the tone for the entire innings.

Michael Bracewell added 65 runs from only 25 deliveries, while Finn Allen chipped in with 31 and Daryl Mitchell with 24. Together, these contributions gave the hosts a total that proved too much for the visitors.

In reply, India were bowled out for a score of 172 for 9 in 20 overs while chasing 260. The target was always a steep challenge, and the Indian batters struggled to keep up with the required rate.

Duffy was the difference-maker with the ball. His spell of 4 overs for 23 runs and 4 wickets is now the best by a New Zealand bowler against India in T20 Internationals, surpassing Trent Boult's 2017 figures of 4 for 34.

He removed Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Naman Dhir and Arshdeep Singh, leaving India without the early momentum they needed.

Tilak Varma was the top scorer for India with 35 runs, and Naman Dhir made 28. Abhishek Sharma scored 27 from 15 balls, Shreyas Iyer made 22, and Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed 21.

Axar Patel scored 7, while Samson managed only 4 and Kishan was dismissed for a duck. The result is India's second-largest defeat in T20 Internationals by runs.

New Zealand have finally recorded their first win in the five-match series, but India still hold a 3-1 lead. The decisive fifth T20 will be played on Sunday at Seddon Park in Hamilton.