Ex-India Star Explains How Bowlers Played Into New Zealand's Hands: "Punished For It"

Irfan Pathan slammed the Indian bowling unit following the side's defeat to New Zealand in 4th T20I.© BCCI

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan slammed the Indian bowling unit following the side's defeat to New Zealand in the fourth T20I in Auckland on Friday. India conceded their highest-ever T20I total as New Zealand piled up 257/9, which was also the hosts' highest score in the format. In reply, India could only manage 172/9 after a top-order collapse, suffering an 87-run defeat. Analysing the match, Pathan criticised the Indian bowlers for persisting with full-length deliveries despite the short boundaries, allowing the New Zealand batters to capitalise and score freely.

"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," Irfan said on his YouTube channel.

Irfan also credited the New Zealand batters for exploiting the short boundaries to perfection and piling up a total that left India with little chance of mounting a successful chase.

"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.

Arshdeep Singh was India's most economical bowler, conceding fewer than 10 runs per over. The rest of the bowling attack, however, went at more than 12 an over.

Despite the emphatic win, New Zealand have already lost the series, with India taking an unassailable 3-0 lead by winning the opening three T20Is.

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