New Zealand posts a massive 257/7 powered by Glenn Phillips' century as India's lineup changes backfire early at Eden Park.
India's decision to drop 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for returning Ishan Kishan backfired in the fourth T20I in Auckland, as Kishan fell for a duck in an opening-over collapse while New Zealand posted 257/7.
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India leads the five-match T20I series 3-0 against New Zealand.
NEW DELHI: India's decision to leave out 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and bring back Ishan Kishan did not go as planned in the fourth T20I against New Zealand at the Eden Park in Auckland. Kishan, who returned after recovering from a groin injury, was dismissed for a duck in the very first over. New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy struck twice in the opening over, sending both Sanju Samson and Kishan back to the pavilion. India's decision to drop Sooryavanshi, who scored 45 in the previous match, quickly came under the spotlight. The move to bring back Kishan was expected to strengthen India's batting. However, the wicketkeeper-batter failed to make an impact on his return.
Ishan's return ends in disappointment
Kishan had missed India's last two T20Is after suffering a low-grade right adductor (groin) strain. His recovery meant he was brought back into the playing XI for the fourth match. However, his comeback lasted just three balls. Duffy bowled a good-length delivery, and Kishan tried to help it along while sitting down. The ball took the toe-end of his bat and went straight back to the bowler, who completed a simple return catch. India were in early trouble after losing both Samson (4) and Kishan (0) in the opening over.
Glenn Phillips powers New Zealand to 257
Earlier, Glenn Phillips produced a stunning batting performance to help New Zealand post a massive 257 for seven in the fourth T20I at Eden Park on Friday. Phillips smashed 107 off just 49 balls, hitting six fours and 10 sixes. Michael Bracewell also played a superb innings, scoring 65 off 25 deliveries. New Zealand's total was the highest-ever T20I score at Eden Park. For India, Mayank Yadav was the leading wicket-taker with figures of 3/48 in his four overs. Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up one wicket each.
India make two changes
India made two changes to their playing XI for the fourth T20I. Ishan replaced Sooryavanshi, while Mayank Yadav came in for Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Sooryavanshi had scored 45 in the previous match but was left out despite his promising performance. Bhuvneshwar also missed out after struggling to make an impact since his return to the Indian team. India had already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. They were looking to continue their winning run and complete a clean sweep against the hosts.
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