Auckland: New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy produced a record-breaking performance against India in the fourth T20I at Eden Park on October 30, claiming 4/23 to surpass Trent Boult’s previous best bowling figures by a New Zealand pacer against India in the format. His spell, combined with Glenn Phillips’ century and Michael Bracewell’s explosive half-century, helped the hosts secure an 87-run victory.

Duffy’s achievement came during New Zealand’s first win of the five-match T20I series. India had already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead by winning the opening three matches, but the hosts responded with a dominant performance in Auckland to reduce the margin to 3-1.

The fast bowler’s four-wicket haul was particularly damaging because two of his most important strikes came in the opening over of India’s chase. He dismissed Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, leaving the visitors under immediate pressure while attempting to chase a challenging target of 260.

Duffy goes past Trent Boult’s record

Duffy’s figures of 4/23 became the best bowling return by a New Zealand fast bowler against India in T20 internationals. He moved past the previous record held by Trent Boult, who had taken 4/34 against India at Rajkot in 2017.

The difference between the two performances highlights the impact of Duffy’s spell. He conceded just 23 runs in his four overs while taking four wickets, putting New Zealand in a strong position to defend their substantial total.

His first two wickets arrived in the opening over of India’s innings. Sanju Samson was dismissed after scoring four runs from two deliveries, while Ishan Kishan departed without scoring. Kishan had returned to the Indian side after recovering from injury, but his comeback innings ended almost immediately.

Duffy returned later to remove Naman Dhir and Arshdeep Singh, completing a four-wicket haul that prevented India from building momentum in the chase.

The performance added another milestone to the fast bowler’s T20I career. According to the available career figures, Duffy has taken 67 wickets in 51 T20 internationals at an average of 20.35. He has recorded six four-wicket hauls, while his career-best figures remain 4/14.

Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell power New Zealand to 259

New Zealand’s victory was built on an outstanding batting effort after India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to field.

The hosts lost Tim Seifert and Daryl Mitchell during the powerplay, giving India an opportunity to restrict the scoring. However, Glenn Phillips stabilised the innings and then accelerated, producing a powerful century that changed the direction of the match.

Phillips scored 107 runs from 49 deliveries, striking six fours and 10 sixes. It was his third century in T20 internationals and the second century of the ongoing series. His innings gave New Zealand the platform to post a formidable total.

Michael Bracewell provided further acceleration with a quickfire 65 from just 25 balls. His innings included four boundaries and six sixes, and he reached his half-century in only 19 deliveries.

The partnership and late-innings hitting helped New Zealand finish at 259/7 in their allotted 20 overs. The total was their highest against India in T20I cricket, surpassing their previous best of 254/5 against Scotland in 2022.

The 259-run total also gave the New Zealand bowlers a substantial cushion as they prepared to defend 260.

India lose early wickets in the chase

India’s pursuit began disastrously when Duffy removed Samson and Kishan in the first over. The early dismissals forced the visitors to rebuild while facing an increasingly demanding run rate.

Abhishek Sharma attempted to counterattack, scoring 27 runs, while captain Shreyas Iyer contributed 22. However, both batters were dismissed before the end of the powerplay, leaving India with too much ground to recover.

The middle order also struggled to establish partnerships. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner contributed with two wickets for 24 runs, while Matthew Fisher claimed two wickets for 40 runs.

Naman Dhir scored 28 from 13 deliveries, offering a brief attacking contribution, but Duffy returned to dismiss him and Arshdeep Singh. Those wickets further reduced India’s chances of mounting a serious challenge.

Tilak Varma top-scored for India with 35 from 35 balls, including one four and three sixes. However, the required scoring rate had climbed beyond reach, and the visitors finished at 172/9 in their 20 overs.

New Zealand won by 87 runs, registering a convincing victory after losing the first three matches of the series.

Duffy’s performance strengthens New Zealand’s response

Duffy’s record-breaking spell was one of the defining contributions in New Zealand’s first victory of the series. His early breakthroughs prevented India from getting a stable start, while his later wickets stopped the visitors from recovering.

His overall T20I record also reflects his importance to the New Zealand bowling attack. With 67 wickets from 51 matches, he is level with Adam Milne as one of New Zealand’s joint sixth-highest wicket-takers in the format.

During 2026, Duffy had taken 14 wickets in 13 T20I appearances at an average of 32.85, with 4/23 against India becoming his best figures against the side during the year.

The fourth T20I also demonstrated how New Zealand’s batting and bowling performances complemented each other. Phillips and Bracewell supplied the runs, while Duffy, Santner and Fisher ensured that India could not approach the target.

India retain series lead ahead of final T20I

Despite the defeat, India remain in control of the five-match series with a 3-1 lead. New Zealand’s victory in Auckland has prevented a clean sweep, but the hosts cannot overturn the series result.

The fifth and final T20I is scheduled to take place in Hamilton on November 1. India will look to finish the series with another win, while New Zealand will aim to carry the momentum from their Auckland performance into the concluding match.

For Duffy, the fourth T20I will be remembered for moving beyond Boult’s previous benchmark and producing the best figures by a New Zealand fast bowler against India in T20I cricket. His 4/23, alongside Phillips’ 107 and Bracewell’s 65, turned the Auckland contest into a memorable night for the hosts.