SportsPosted at: Oct 30 2026 5:47PM


Iyer admits India fell short with ball, flags Powerplay lapse as turning point

Auckland, Oct 30 (UNI) India's inability to contain New Zealand during the Powerplay, particularly in the third over, proved costly in the fourth T20 International, skipper Shreyas Iyer admitted, acknowledging that the hosts seized momentum early through Glenn Phillips' explosive batting.
India suffered an 87-run defeat after Phillips' breathtaking century powered New Zealand to a commanding total, helping the hosts level the five-match series.
"We fell a bit short in our bowling to start with. Powerplay, especially in the third over, they got that momentum from there on," Iyer said after the match.
Admitting that India's bowlers struggled to contain the New Zealand batsmen despite attempts to rein in the scoring, Iyer singled out Phillips for his exceptional knock and remarkable strokeplay.
"Exceptional knock by Glenn. Some phenomenal shots, which were like pure bliss. So kudos to him. He's been consistent throughout the series, so lot to learn from him," he said.
Iyer said the team would use the break before the next match in Hamilton to assess its shortcomings and work on a stronger response.
"I personally feel that we can probably go back to the drawing board and see to it we analyse and try to execute to the best of our abilities in the next game," he said.
On India's adjustment to New Zealand's ground dimensions, Iyer acknowledged that the conditions posed a challenge, particularly for players experiencing such grounds for the first time.
He, however, pointed out that the team had adapted well during the first three matches and described the experience as a learning curve.
"The way they executed the first three games, it was magnificent, and yeah, this is just a learning curve," he said, expressing hope that India would return with a positive approach in the next encounter.
The fifth T20I will be played in Hamilton as India look to regain the series lead.
UNI BDN
Tags: #Iyer admits India fell short with ball# flags Powerplay lapse as turning point
More News

Fit-again Jemimah ‘can’t wait to get going’

30 Oct 2026 | 7:00 PM

New Delhi, Oct 30 (UNI) India batter Jemimah Rodrigues has been declared fit after completing three months of rehabilitation for a high-grade tear in her right hamstring. She suffered the injury while playing for Southern Brave in England’s The Hundred on August 3.

see more..

Birthday boy Sarthak Chavan takes pole position, Ann Jennifer, Rajender Beedani, Mathana Kumar top in qualifying

30 Oct 2026 | 6:15 PM

Chennai, Oct 30 (UNI) Pune’s Sarthak Chavan marked his 20th birthday by qualifying for pole position with a record lap in the premier Super Sport 301-400cc Open class to launch his campaign in the third round of the MRF Indian National Racing Challenge 2W 2026 in style at the Madras International Circuit at Irungattukottai, about 40 km from here, on Friday.

see more..

Chance for Atletico Madrid, Barcelona looks to recover and Basque derby in La Liga

30 Oct 2026 | 6:12 PM

Madrid, Oct 30 (UNI) Barcelona will look to recover from last weekend's Clasico defeat in the 11th round of La Liga matches, while Atletico Madrid could go top of the table for a few hours and the Basque derby between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad will provide plenty of tradition and local rivalry.

see more..

Uganda names squad ahead of AFCON qualifiers

30 Oct 2026 | 6:04 PM

Kampala, Oct 30 (UNI) Uganda head coach Paul Put has named his squad for next month's two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Botswana, including veteran midfielder Khalid Aucho,
who recently announced his international retirement.

see more..

Hong Kong Sixes: India suffer batting collapse in four-wicket loss to Pakistan

30 Oct 2026 | 6:01 PM

New Delhi, Oct 30 (UNI) India suffered a four-wicket defeat against Pakistan in their Group C
clash at the Hong Kong International Sixes in Kowloon on Friday after their batters failed to put
up a competitive total.

see more..