Phillips' Power-Hitting Smashes India in Auckland
Glenn Phillips' explosive century helps New Zealand post a record 259/7 to defeat India by 87 runs in the fourth T20I at Auckland.
In a high-scoring thriller at Eden Park, New Zealand finally broke their losing streak to New Zealand defeat India by 87 runs in the fourth T20I on Friday, October 30, 2026. While India still holds a commanding 3-1 lead in the five-match series, the Black Caps delivered a masterclass in aggressive batting to secure a dominant victory.
A Record-Breaking onslaught
The day began with India winning the toss and opting to bowl, a decision that quickly turned costly. New Zealand unleashed a batting storm, posting a massive 259/7 in their 20 overs. This monumental score stands as the highest T20I total ever recorded against the Indian side.
The star of the show was Glenn Phillips, who played an innings for the ages. Phillips hammered 107 runs off just 49 deliveries, a knock decorated with six boundaries and 10 towering sixes. His century, achieved in just 46 balls, is now the second-fastest T20I hundred against India. With this performance, Phillips not only notched his third T20I century but also set a new record for the most runs scored in a T20I series against India.
The Phillips-Bracewell Fireworks
The New Zealand momentum was accelerated by a devastating fifth-wicket partnership. Michael Bracewell joined Phillips to tear through the Indian bowling attack, adding 115 runs in a mere 40 balls. Bracewell was in clinical form, smashing 65 runs off 25 balls, including four fours and six sixes, leaving the Indian fielders stranded.
India's Batting Collapse
Chasing a daunting target of 260, the Indian batting order crumbled under the immense pressure. The chase ended prematurely as India was bowled out for 172 in their allotted 20 overs.
The disaster began in the very first over. Jacob Duffy struck like lightning, removing openers Ishan Kishan for a duck and Sanju Samson for just 4 runs. Duffy continued his dominance throughout the innings, finishing with impressive figures of 4/23.
Other key contributors for the hosts included:
- Mitchell Santner: Claimed 2/24 and reached the prestigious milestone of 150 T20I wickets.
- Matthew Fisher: Provided crucial support with 2/40.
Tilak Varma fought a lonely battle for India, emerging as the top scorer with 35 runs, but there was little support from the other end.
Bowling Highlights and Captain's Insight
On the bowling front for India, Mayank Yadav was the lone bright spot, picking up 3/48 despite the onslaught of runs.
Reflecting on the win, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner credited the home conditions, noting that his team successfully exploited the steep bounce characteristic of the Eden Park surface to unsettle the Indian batters.
The series will now conclude with the fifth and final T20I in Hamilton on Sunday, November 1, where India will look to seal the series while New Zealand will aim to keep the momentum going.