Shreyas Iyer Blames Bowling Shortcomings as India Suffers 87-Run Defeat Against New Zealand in Fourth T20I
AUCKLAND–India captain Shreyas Iyer acknowledged that his team’s bowling performance fell below expectations as New Zealand secured an emphatic 87-run victory in the fourth T20 International at Eden Park on Friday, ending India’s winning streak in the five-match series.
New Zealand posted a record-breaking total of 259/7, its highest score in T20 International cricket, powered by an explosive century from Glenn Phillips and a rapid half-century from Michael Bracewell.
Phillips dominated the Indian bowling attack with a remarkable 107 off just 49 deliveries, while Bracewell contributed 65 runs from only 25 balls.
Chasing a daunting target of 260, India struggled to maintain the required scoring rate and finished at 172/9 in 19 overs. New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy led the bowling effort with four wickets.
Speaking after the match, Iyer admitted that India’s bowlers failed to contain New Zealand’s aggressive batting during the opening overs, allowing the hosts to establish control early in the innings.
“Yeah, absolutely. 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, a couple of bowlers, they tried to squeeze in, but I think an exceptional knock by Glenn. Some phenomenal shots, which were like pure bliss. So kudos to him. He’s been consistent throughout the series, so there’s a lot to learn from him,” Iyer said.
The Indian captain credited Phillips for his exceptional performance, describing his aggressive stroke play as a major factor in New Zealand’s commanding total.
Despite the heavy defeat, Iyer emphasized the importance of reviewing the team’s performance and making adjustments before the fifth and final match of the series in Hamilton.
“Yes, absolutely. I feel that it’s important to retrospect, see where we can actually bounce back, come into Hamilton and just have 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.
Iyer also discussed the challenges Indian players have encountered while adapting to New Zealand’s cricket grounds, particularly the unusual boundary dimensions that can influence batting and bowling strategies.
He noted that several players were competing at these venues for the first time and needed additional experience to adjust to the conditions.
“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 of how to go about their business. So a great learning curve, and hopefully we come back positive in the next game,” he said.
India had already secured the five-match series by winning the opening three encounters, establishing an unassailable 3-0 lead before Friday’s defeat.
New Zealand’s victory reduced India’s series advantage to 3-1 and gave the hosts their first win of the contest.
The teams will meet again in Hamilton for the fifth and final T20 International, with India seeking to conclude the series with another victory and New Zealand aiming to build on its impressive performance in Auckland. (Source: IANS)
