New Zealand Beat India by 87 Runs in 4th T20I

New Zealand defeated India by 87 runs in the fourth T20I at Eden Park, Auckland, on October 30, 2026. Glenn Phillips delivered a sensational performance, scoring 107 runs off just 49 balls to help the hosts post a massive total of 259/7. Michael Bracewell also played a crucial role with a quickfire 65. In reply, India struggled against New Zealand's bowling attack and finished at 172/9, handing the hosts their first victory of the five-match series.

New Zealand Post 259/7 After Explosive Batting

After India captain Shreyas Iyer elected to bowl first, New Zealand made an aggressive start despite losing Tim Seifert for just three runs. Finn Allen scored 31 off 17 balls, while Daryl Mitchell added 24 off only nine deliveries. However, both batters fell early enough to give India some hope of controlling the innings.

Glenn Phillips then took charge and changed the direction of the match. He received valuable support from the middle order as New Zealand maintained a high scoring rate. The hosts eventually reached 259/7 in 20 overs, recording their highest T20I total against India and surpassing their previous best of 254/5 against Scotland.

Glenn Phillips' Brilliant 107 Changes the Match

Phillips produced one of the finest innings of the match, smashing 107 runs from 49 deliveries. His knock included six fours and 10 sixes, with a strike rate of 218.37. He attacked India's bowlers with confidence and found boundaries regularly, putting pressure on the visitors throughout the middle and death overs.

One of the biggest moments came in the 16th over, when Phillips hit four consecutive sixes against Nitish Kumar Reddy. His powerful hitting helped New Zealand accelerate towards a total beyond 250. Phillips also shared a 115-run partnership with Michael Bracewell, giving the hosts the momentum they needed. His innings proved decisive and earned him the Player of the Match award.

Michael Bracewell Adds More Firepower

Michael Bracewell played an equally important role in New Zealand's big total. He scored 65 off 25 balls, including four fours and six sixes. Bracewell reached his half-century in just 19 deliveries, putting India's bowling attack under further pressure.

His partnership with Phillips produced 115 runs from just 41 balls. The pair turned a competitive total into a daunting target and helped New Zealand finish strongly.

India's Bowling Struggles to Control the Scoring

India's bowlers found it difficult to contain New Zealand's aggressive batting. Nitish Kumar Reddy conceded 64 runs in four overs and took one wicket, while Mayank Yadav was India's most successful bowler with three wickets for 48 runs.

Arshdeep Singh claimed one wicket for 38 runs, Prince Yadav took one for 49, and Axar Patel finished with one for 43 in three overs. Although India picked up wickets, the scoring rate remained high throughout the innings.

Jacob Duffy's Early Wickets Hurt India's Chase

Chasing 260, India suffered an immediate setback when Jacob Duffy dismissed Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan in the opening over. Samson scored four, while Kishan was dismissed without scoring. The early wickets put India under pressure before the chase could settle.

Abhishek Sharma scored 27 off 15 balls, and captain Shreyas Iyer added 22 off 11 deliveries. Naman Dhir contributed 28 from 13 balls, while Tilak Varma top-scored for India with 35 off 35 deliveries. However, India failed to build a substantial partnership that could bring the required run rate under control.

India eventually finished at 172/9 in 20 overs, well short of the target.

New Zealand Bowlers Complete a Dominant Win

Jacob Duffy led New Zealand's bowling attack with four wickets for 23 runs in four overs. His early strikes gave the hosts control of the chase, while Matthew Fisher took two wickets for 40 runs.

Captain Mitchell Santner also claimed two wickets for 24 runs, keeping the pressure on India's middle order. Adam Milne took one wicket for 35 runs. New Zealand's disciplined bowling and timely breakthroughs ensured India never threatened to complete the chase.

India Still Lead the Series 3-1

New Zealand's 87-run victory was their first win in the five-match T20I series after India won the opening three matches. The result ended the hosts' losing run and gave them a much-needed boost ahead of the final game.

India still lead the series 3-1, with the fifth and final T20I scheduled to take place in Hamilton on Sunday.

Conclusion

Glenn Phillips' explosive century and New Zealand's disciplined bowling secured a convincing win in Auckland. India will look to finish the series strongly, while New Zealand will aim to carry this momentum into the final T20I.