Glenn Phillips, Bracewell Unleash Batting Storm as New Zealand Smash 259 Against India

Explosive centuries from Glenn Phillips and a blistering half-century from Michael Bracewell powered New Zealand to a formidable 259/7 against India in the fourth T20I at Auckland on Friday, setting the visitors a challenging target of 260 runs.

Phillips smashed a magnificent 107 off just 49 deliveries, striking at 218.37, while Bracewell contributed a sensational 65 off 25 balls at a strike rate of 260.00. Their aggressive batting helped New Zealand register the highest total of the series.

The innings began on a shaky note for the hosts, with Indian pacer Mayank Yadav dismissing opener Tim Seifert for just three runs in the first over. Mayank later removed Daryl Mitchell for 24, leaving New Zealand struggling at 34/2.

However, Finn Allen and Phillips launched a counter-attack, taking the hosts to 67/2 during the powerplay. Allen scored a quickfire 31 off 17 balls, including two fours and two sixes, before Axar Patel ended their partnership. New Zealand reached 109/3 at the halfway stage, while Mayank struck again to dismiss Bevon Jacobs for seven.

The match then witnessed a breathtaking assault as Phillips and Bracewell joined forces. The duo smashed the Indian bowlers across the ground, adding 115 runs off just 40 deliveries at a remarkable run rate of 16.82. It became the highest-ever 100-plus partnership against India and the fourth-highest against a Full Member nation.

Bracewell's dismissal by Prince Yadav brought the partnership to an end, but Phillips continued his assault and completed his century with a towering six off Arshdeep Singh. Arshdeep later dismissed Mitchell Santner on the final delivery of his spell, becoming the first Indian bowler to claim 150 T20I wickets.

Nitish Kumar Reddy eventually ended Phillips' outstanding innings in the final over. His knock included six fours and 10 sixes.

New Zealand finished at 259/7, with Mayank Yadav leading India's bowling attack with three wickets. Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel claimed one wicket each.

The result also highlighted India's bowling struggles in 2026, with the team conceding 200-plus totals on 11 occasions, the most by any team in a calendar year in T20 cricket. India had won the first three matches while chasing targets of 198, 180 and 225, but New Zealand responded with their biggest total of the series.