'Important to retrospect': Shreyas Iyer after India's 87-run defeat vs New Zealand in 4th T20I
toi
newspoint|31-10-2026
India captain Shreyas Iyer admitted that his team's bowling let them down in the fourth T20I against New Zealand. After an 87-run defeat in Auckland on Friday, Iyer said the team needed to review its performance and find ways to bounce back in the final match.
New Zealand posted a massive 259 for 7 after being asked to bat. Glenn Phillips led the charge with 107 off 49 balls, while Michael Bracewell smashed 65 off just 25 deliveries.
Phillips took 32 runs off Nitish Kumar Reddy's 16th over, hitting four sixes in a row. Phillips and Bracewell combined to hit 16 sixes, while New Zealand struck 20 maximums in total.
Iyer admits India's bowling fell short
Speaking after the match, Iyer said India failed to control New Zealand's scoring, especially in the powerplay. He also praised Phillips for his outstanding batting display.
"We fell short in our bowling. The power play, especially in the third over, they got the momentum thereon. Exceptional shots from Glenn, some phenomenal shots, pure bliss. Important to retrospect, we have to see how to bounce back. I feel we can go back to the drawing board and execute," Iyer said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
The Indian captain also spoke about the challenges of playing at Eden Park, which is known for its small boundaries and unusual dimensions. He said it can take time for players to adjust to the ground.
"We knew the dimensions were going to be like this. First time for some of them. Not easy to adapt. The way they executed in the first three games was magnificent. Great learning curve."
Santner happy with New Zealand's bowling effort
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner was pleased with the way his bowlers performed, particularly during the powerplay. He said the team managed to take important wickets and make good use of the conditions.
"With the wind, it didn't dew up. You have to bowl well against these guys and we did. We saw a couple fly through at the start. The guys bashed through and we managed to take wickets in the powerplay. There is a little on the wicket, which is what we want. On a wicket that bounces, it is quite good," Santner said.
Santner also praised Bracewell for his quick-fire innings, which helped New Zealand push their total close to 260.
"The way he came in, from ball one to keep going to push the score to 260... nice to see Beasty get runs, he's striking well in the nets. We made some tough options of hitting down the ground against those lengths. Duff nailing hard lengths and getting two to start is nice."
Phillips enjoys batting on Eden Park pitch
Phillips, who scored his third T20I century, said the pitch offered good conditions for batting. He was happy to contribute to New Zealand's victory.
"It was fabulous. A really good pitch to bat on. We made the most of it. Nice to get a few runs and contribute (to the winning cause).You make the purple patch last," he said about his consistent show in the ongoing series.
New Zealand posted a massive 259 for 7 after being asked to bat. Glenn Phillips led the charge with 107 off 49 balls, while Michael Bracewell smashed 65 off just 25 deliveries.
Phillips took 32 runs off Nitish Kumar Reddy's 16th over, hitting four sixes in a row. Phillips and Bracewell combined to hit 16 sixes, while New Zealand struck 20 maximums in total.
Iyer admits India's bowling fell short
Speaking after the match, Iyer said India failed to control New Zealand's scoring, especially in the powerplay. He also praised Phillips for his outstanding batting display.
"We fell short in our bowling. The power play, especially in the third over, they got the momentum thereon. Exceptional shots from Glenn, some phenomenal shots, pure bliss. Important to retrospect, we have to see how to bounce back. I feel we can go back to the drawing board and execute," Iyer said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
The Indian captain also spoke about the challenges of playing at Eden Park, which is known for its small boundaries and unusual dimensions. He said it can take time for players to adjust to the ground.
"We knew the dimensions were going to be like this. First time for some of them. Not easy to adapt. The way they executed in the first three games was magnificent. Great learning curve."
Santner happy with New Zealand's bowling effort
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner was pleased with the way his bowlers performed, particularly during the powerplay. He said the team managed to take important wickets and make good use of the conditions.
"With the wind, it didn't dew up. You have to bowl well against these guys and we did. We saw a couple fly through at the start. The guys bashed through and we managed to take wickets in the powerplay. There is a little on the wicket, which is what we want. On a wicket that bounces, it is quite good," Santner said.
Santner also praised Bracewell for his quick-fire innings, which helped New Zealand push their total close to 260.
"The way he came in, from ball one to keep going to push the score to 260... nice to see Beasty get runs, he's striking well in the nets. We made some tough options of hitting down the ground against those lengths. Duff nailing hard lengths and getting two to start is nice."
Phillips enjoys batting on Eden Park pitch
Phillips, who scored his third T20I century, said the pitch offered good conditions for batting. He was happy to contribute to New Zealand's victory.
"It was fabulous. A really good pitch to bat on. We made the most of it. Nice to get a few runs and contribute (to the winning cause).You make the purple patch last," he said about his consistent show in the ongoing series.
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