New Zealand registered their first T20I victory over India on home soil in seven and a half years, beating the visitors by 87 runs in the fourth match of the five-game series on Friday. The result ended India’s 10-match unbeaten streak against the Black Caps in the format and gave the hosts their first win of the series after India had taken a commanding 3-0 lead.
The 87-run defeat is India’s second-biggest loss by runs in men’s T20I cricket. It is also New Zealand’s biggest victory by runs against India in the format.
Glenn Phillips’ century provided the foundation for New Zealand’s imposing total and put India under pressure in the chase. The hosts’ bowling attack then completed the job, handing India a heavy defeat.
The result marked a significant turnaround for the hosts, who had struggled to find answers against India in the first three matches. With the series already decided in India’s favour, New Zealand finally produced a performance that broke their long wait for a home T20I win against the visitors.
India’s 10-match unbeaten run against New Zealand had highlighted their dominance in recent meetings between the sides. However, the fourth T20I exposed a different contest, with the hosts securing a convincing victory and preventing India from maintaining their perfect record in the series.
New Zealand will now look to carry the momentum into the fifth and final T20I, while India will aim to finish the tour with a win and take the series 4-1.
