Santner Scripts History With Rare Four-Fer As India Edge NZ
NZ captain Mitchell Santner becomes the first bowler to claim two 4-wicket hauls against India in T20Is during a thrilling match in Christchurch.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has etched his name into the record books during the second T20I against India in Christchurch. In a stunning display of spin bowling, Santner became the first bowler in the history of T20 Internationals to claim multiple four-wicket hauls against the Indian side.
The Turning Point in Christchurch
India appeared to be cruising in their chase of 181 runs, starting strongly at 40/0. However, the momentum shifted violently when Mitchell Santner was introduced into the attack. The Kiwi skipper tore through the Indian batting lineup, triggering a massive collapse that saw the world champions slide from a comfortable position to 112/6 in just 14.5 overs.
Santner finished his spell with impressive figures of 4/21 in four overs, nearly snatching victory from the jaws of defeat for his team.
A Historic Milestone
This wasn't Santner's first time haunting the Indian batters. His first four-wicket haul against India dates back to the 2016 T20 World Cup in Nagpur, where he took 4/11. That performance had been pivotal in bowling India out for a mere 79 runs to defend a total of 127.
Santner now joins an elite group of spinners who have taken a four-fer against India in T20Is, alongside:
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka): 4/9 in Colombo, 2021
- Daniel Vettori (New Zealand): 4/20 in Johannesburg, 2007 T20 World Cup
- Gerhard Erasmus (Scotland): 4/20 in Delhi, 2026 T20 World Cup
Climbing the Global Rankings
With this performance, Santner has also broken into the top 10 list of all-time T20I wicket-takers. He currently sits tied with India's Arshdeep Singh, boasting 148 wickets in 140 matches. His career statistics include an average of 23.29 and an economy rate of 7.18. He still trails the overall leader, Afghanistan's Rashid Khan, who has 197 wickets in 118 matches.
Match Summary: A Tale of Two Halves
The game began with India winning the toss and opting to bowl. They dominated the powerplay, reducing New Zealand to a precarious 41/3. However, a massive 116-run partnership for the fourth wicket rescued the hosts. Glenn Phillips smashed 70 off 46 balls (including four boundaries and four sixes), while Bevon Jacobs added 58 off 46 balls (five fours and a six), propelling New Zealand to 180/5.
On the bowling front for India, Arshdeep Singh took 2/33, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav, and Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed one wicket each.
India's Dramatic Recovery
Despite the carnage caused by Santner in the middle overs, India managed to fight back. Naman Dhir provided a spark with a quickfire 31 off 17 balls, featuring three sixes. The victory was eventually sealed by Tilak, who remained unbeaten on 51 off 26 balls (six fours, one six), and Nitish, who contributed 26* off 13 balls.
India chased down the target with just one ball remaining, taking an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the five-match series.