Eden Park, Auckland:Glenn Phillips produced a sensational century to power New Zealand to a formidable 259/7 in 20 overs against India in the fourth T20I at Eden Park, Auckland. Phillips' explosive innings, supported by Michael Bracewell's quickfire half-century, helped the hosts finish with one of their biggest totals in T20I cricket.
Phillips struck 107 off just 49 deliveries, smashing six fours and 10 sixes at a strike rate of 218.37. His innings transformed New Zealand's batting effort and put considerable pressure on the Indian bowling attack.
The right-hander reached his century in 46 balls, registering the joint-second-fastest T20I hundred for New Zealand. Finn Allen holds the national record with a 33-ball century against South Africa in Kolkata in 2026. Phillips previously scored a 46-ball hundred against the West Indies at Mount Maunganui in 2020.
The latest effort also made Phillips one of New Zealand's most successful middle-order century-makers in T20Is. He now has three T20I hundreds batting at number four or lower, joining India's Suryakumar Yadav on that mark. Glenn Maxwell leads the list with four centuries.
Phillips and Bracewell produce record partnership
The defining phase of New Zealand's innings came through a remarkable partnership between Phillips and Bracewell. The pair added 115 runs in just 40 balls at a scoring rate of 16.82 runs per over, taking the innings away from India.
The stand was reported as the highest-ever 100-plus partnership against India in T20 cricket and the fourth-highest against a Full Member side.
Bracewell played an outstanding supporting role, scoring 65 off 25 deliveries, including four fours and six sixes. His aggressive approach ensured New Zealand maintained their scoring momentum even after the departure of Phillips' earlier batting partners.
New Zealand also registered their 19th six of the innings, setting a new record for the team's highest number of sixes in a T20 International innings.
New Zealand's top order provides the platform
Earlier, New Zealand lost Tim Seifert for three, caught off Mayank Yadav's bowling. Daryl Mitchell and Finn Allen attempted to rebuild the innings, with Allen scoring 31 off 17 balls, including two fours and two sixes.
Mitchell contributed 24 from nine deliveries, striking two fours and two sixes, before Mayank removed him. Allen was dismissed by Axar Patel, leaving New Zealand needing a substantial middle-order contribution.
Bevon Jacobs managed seven before falling to Mayank, who claimed his third wicket of the innings. Phillips then took charge, combining with Bracewell to deliver the decisive partnership.
After Bracewell's dismissal, Mitchell Santner scored five before being caught off Arshdeep Singh. Adam Milne remained unbeaten on one, while Nathan Smith finished unbeaten on six from three balls.
Indian bowlers struggle to contain the scoring
Mayank Yadav was India's leading wicket-taker, finishing with three wickets for 48 runs in four overs. Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel picked up one wicket each.
However, India's bowling attack conceded 259 runs, with Nitish Kumar Reddy going for 64 runs in his four overs. Prince Yadav conceded 49, while Axar Patel gave away 43 runs in three overs.
The total also extended India's difficult record of conceding 200 or more runs in T20 cricket. According to the supplied match commentary, India have conceded 200-plus totals 11 times in 2026, the most by any team in a calendar year.
New Zealand's 259/7 gives India a challenging target of 260 at Eden Park. With Phillips producing a remarkable century and Bracewell providing explosive support, the hosts have put themselves in a strong position heading into the second innings.
