Glenn Phillips smashed 107 off 49 balls as New Zealand beat India by 87 runs in the fourth T20I at Eden Park, Auckland, on Friday, October 30, recording their first win of the five-match series. New Zealand posted 259-7 — their highest total in T20 internationals and the highest total India have ever conceded in the format — before restricting India to 172-9.
The win cut India’s series lead to 3-1, with one match remaining. India had already secured the series by winning the first three matches, so the result changes the scoreline rather than the outcome, but it ended New Zealand’s wait for a victory in emphatic style.
Phillips and Bracewell power New Zealand to 259-7
Phillips hit 10 sixes and six fours in his 107, reaching his century off 46 balls. Reports noted it was his third T20 international century, and Asianet Newsable reported it equalled the joint-second-fastest T20I century scored against India, level with South Africa’s David Miller.
He was supported by Michael Bracewell, who blasted 65 off just 25 balls, including six sixes. The pair’s fifth-wicket stand of 115 runs turned a strong platform into a total India never seriously threatened, and Cricbuzz reported New Zealand struck 20 sixes in all, a record for the team in T20Is.
Finn Allen’s quickfire 31 had earlier set the tone at the top of the order. For India, Mayank Yadav took 3-48 and Arshdeep Singh took 1-38, but the bowling attack could not contain the late onslaught as New Zealand took 150 runs off the last 10 overs, according to Cricbuzz.
Duffy’s four wickets seal the rout
India’s chase never recovered from Jacob Duffy’s early double strike. Duffy finished with 4-23, while Mitchell Santner took 2-24. Tilak Varma top-scored for India with 35, and Naman Dhir made 28, but India finished on 172-9.
The 87-run margin is India’s second-heaviest defeat by runs in T20 internationals, Outlook reported. It was a sharp reversal after three matches in which India had done most of the hitting.
What the result means for the series
India’s split squads for the New Zealand tour had already delivered the series before this match, and the visitors will still leave New Zealand as series winners even if they lose the finale. For New Zealand, however, the win restores pride and momentum: a record total, a first win, and a statement performance from Phillips in front of a sold-out Eden Park crowd. Internal link here: India’s split squads for the New Zealand tour.
The fifth and final T20I will be played in Hamilton on Sunday, November 1. New Zealand will aim to finish the series 3-2; India will aim to restore a comfortable margin after a chastening night in Auckland.
Brief scores
New Zealand 259-7 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 107, Michael Bracewell 65; Mayank Yadav 3-48) beat India 172-9 in 20 overs (Tilak Varma 35, Naman Dhir 28; Jacob Duffy 4-23, Mitchell Santner 2-24) by 87 runs.
Frequently asked questions
Who scored the century for New Zealand? Glenn Phillips, with 107 off 49 balls, including 10 sixes.
What was the final score? New Zealand 259-7 beat India 172-9 by 87 runs at Eden Park, Auckland.
Who has won the series? India, who lead 3-1 with one match left after winning the first three games.
When is the final T20I? The fifth match is in Hamilton on Sunday, November 1.
Sources
Cricbuzz — https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/140716/new-zealands-record-t20i-total-sinks-india
Gulf News — https://gulfnews.com/sport/cricket/glenn-phillips-ton-fuels-new-zealands-87-run-demolition-of-india-1.500729672
Telangana Today (IANS) — https://telanganatoday.com/phillips-century-duffys-four-for-hand-india-crushing-87-run-defeat
Outlook — https://www.outlookindia.com/amp/story/sports/cricket/india-vs-new-zealand-4th-t20i-2026-second-heaviest-defeat-record
More coverage: Ben Simmons’ comeback ended with a torn Achilles, and Indian YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was detained in Gurugram during a protest.
