“They were punished for it” – Irfan Pathan slams India’s bowling tactics after defeat in NZ vs IND 2026 4th T20I 

Former cricketer Irfan Pathan criticised the Indian bowlers’ tactics during the fourth T20I against New Zealand. The match was played at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, October 30.

After being asked to bat first, New Zealand posted a mammoth 259/7, with Glenn Phillips leading the charge with a blistering 107 off 49 balls, including six fours and 10 sixes. In response, India could only manage 172/9, suffering an 87-run defeat.

Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Pathan pointed out that India’s bowlers erred by bowling fuller lengths, which did not suit the pitch conditions or the ground dimensions. He further noted that when the bowlers tried to bowl short, the New Zealand batters were prepared for it. Pathan stated that, being familiar with the venue, the hosts made the most of the conditions and maintained their aggressive approach even after losing wickets. Irfan Pathan said:

“The Indian bowlers were bowling fuller lengths, which did not suit the conditions on this pitch, and they were punished for it. The straight boundary is very short. The Indian bowlers failed to adjust their lengths according to the ground dimensions. When they tried to bowl short, the New Zealand batters, who are very familiar with playing at this venue, were ready for it. So, they started with lengths that were too full and couldn’t recover thereafter.

“Overall, New Zealand’s ability to make the most of the ground dimensions, backed by their familiarity with playing at this venue in their home conditions, gave them an edge over the Indian team. Apart from that, the New Zealand batters had a very clear mindset. Even after losing wickets, they continued to play big shots and refused to slow down. They knew that even if they gave India a target of 200 runs, the Indian team could chase it down. Their aggressive approach was also quite impressive,” he added.

The victory marked New Zealand’s first win of the series, leaving them trailing 3-1 with one match remaining.

“Has already done a Man of the Series-worthy job” – Irfan Pathan’s huge praise for New Zealand batter

In the same video, Irfan Pathan heaped praise on Glenn Phillips, who smashed his third T20I century with a 107-run knock off just 49 deliveries. The 42-year-old remarked that the right-hander has already produced a Man of the Series-worthy performance and highlighted how the Indian bowlers have struggled to find a way to dismiss him. Irfan Pathan said:

“One batter who has already done a Man of the Series-worthy job, scoring half-centuries and now a century, is Glenn Phillips. He has batted brilliantly. The Indian team simply hasn’t been able to find a way to dismiss him. The way he plays off the back foot, handles spin and showcases his versatility is remarkable. Glenn Phillips’ recent contribution to New Zealand cricket in T20Is, particularly in this series, has been outstanding.”

Phillips has amassed 276 runs in four innings at an average of 92.00 and a strike rate of 189.04, including two half-centuries and a hundred.

Edited by Dev Sharma