Jacob Duffy Rips Through India, Breaks Trent Boult’s Record in 4th T20I

New Zealand finally got their first win of the series, and Jacob Duffy lit the fuse. The pacer tore through India’s top order, claimed 4/23 and rewrote a record that had stood since 2017. A record 259 on the board, a first-over double strike and a 90-run win made this a night to remember.

New Zealand Finally Open Their Account

The Blackcaps had waited all series for a statement performance. They got it in the 4th T20I with a comprehensive 90-run win over the Men in Blue.

Batting first, New Zealand rode on a century from Glenn Phillips. They smashed 259, the highest-ever T20I total against India.

It also set India a target no side has ever chased down in the format. The pressure was enormous from the first ball.

The Chase That Collapsed in Over One

India’s hopes took a heavy hit right at the start. Duffy struck twice in the very first over, removing Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan.

Losing two wickets before the powerplay had even begun left India with a mountain to climb. New Zealand were in the driving seat immediately.

Duffy was not done. He returned to pick up the key wickets of Naman Dhir and Arshdeep Singh, and finished with 4/23 in his four overs.

Two wickets in the opening over, and the chase of a lifetime was effectively over before it began.

Duffy Overtakes Boult in the Record Books

The numbers carry weight. Duffy’s 4/23 are now the best bowling figures by a New Zealand bowler against India in T20Is.

He surpassed Trent Boult, who had held the record with 4/34 in Rajkot in 2017. That mark had stood for years until Duffy came along.

Best New Zealand Bowling Figures vs India in T20Is

Duffy sits at the top of a list that includes some of New Zealand’s finest white-ball bowlers. That is serious company.

A Remarkable Turnaround for the RCB Star

This performance becomes even more impressive given how the series began for Duffy. He sat on the bench for the opener and only got his chance in the 2nd T20I.

From Bench to Match-Winner

In the 2nd T20I, Duffy picked up a solitary wicket. That game also featured the infamous dismissal of Abhishek Sharma off a no-ball.

The 3rd T20I was tougher. Duffy went wicketless and leaked 41 runs in his four overs.

Many bowlers might have wobbled after that. Instead, Duffy bounced back with the best spell of his series, and the best by any Kiwi against India.

Series Snapshot for Duffy

He now has 5 wickets in 3 matches. The momentum is clearly with him.

What This Win Means for the Series

New Zealand’s 90-run victory is more than a single result. It showed the Blackcaps can dominate with both bat and ball, and that they can do it against a strong India side.

Phillips’ century set the tone with the bat. Duffy’s new-ball burst then made sure India never had a real chance of chasing.

The Men in Blue will have to regroup quickly. Their top order was exposed early, and a total of 259 is a big ask for any team.

Duffy Eyes a Strong Finish

With confidence soaring, Duffy will look to finish the series on a high. More wickets would cap an impressive comeback.

For New Zealand, the question is whether this win marks a genuine shift in the series. For Duffy, the record is already in the books.

A bench spot, a wicketless outing and then a record-breaking spell: it has been quite the journey for the RCB pacer. Fans will be watching closely to see what he does next.

Key Takeaways

• New Zealand won the 4th T20I by 90 runs.
• Glenn Phillips’ century powered a record 259, the highest total against India in T20Is.
• Jacob Duffy took 4/23, the best figures by a New Zealand bowler against India.
• Duffy broke Trent Boult’s 4/34 record from Rajkot in 2017.
• Duffy has 5 wickets in 3 matches this series.