New Zealand responded powerfully to India’s dominance in the T20I series with an 87 run win in the fourth match at Eden Park, Auckland on October 30, 2026. Glenn Phillips’ fantastic century set the tone before New Zealand bowlers (Jacob Duffy early wickets) put India batting line up under pressure.
The win was all the more important for hosts who already lost the five match series after India won the first three games. But fourth T20I gave New Zealand chance to avoid a complete whitewash and at least show some pride in front of home crowd.
Glenn Phillips Smashes a Brilliant Century
After India captain Shreyas Iyer elected to field first, New Zealand made 259/7 in 20 overs batting first. Glenn Phillips was the star of the innings as he smashed 107 runs off just 49 balls.
His explosive knock featured six fours and 10 sixes which put the Indian bowling attack under pressure. Phillips brought up his century in just 46 balls to score his third T20I hundred.
Michael Bracewell was equally important with a stunning 65 off 25 balls. He hit four boundaries and six sixes as he gave New Zealand the acceleration they needed in the second half.
The pair scored 115 runs from 40 balls for the fifth wicket which completely changed the momentum of the innings.
New Zealand Post Record Total Against India
Phillips and Bracewell put on a partnership of 56 to take New Zealand to 259/7 – their highest ever T20I total against India.
Finn Allen also chipped in with 31 off 17 balls while Daryl Mitchell made 24 from nine balls. The aggressive batting left India with a target of 260 to chase.
India’s bowling attack could not stem the flow of runs. Nitish Kumar Reddy conceded 64 runs in four overs (including a costly 32-run over in which Phillips hit four consecutive sixes).
Mayank Yadav was India’s leading wicket-taker with three but New Zealand had already got a stranglehold on the game.
Jacob Duffy Opens the Floodgates
India needed an explosive start to chase down the huge target but New Zealand’s bowling attack made it hard.
Jacob Duffy’s early wickets put Indian batting order under pressure and gave hosts the chance to attack the remaining batters. India failed to build partnerships for such a hard chase.
The pressure kept mounting as New Zealand bowlers continued to take wickets and India’s scoring opportunities were limited.
India Fall Short by 87 Runs
India eventually finished on 172/9 in their 20 overs but fell 87 runs short of the target.
It was a blow for the visitors who had looked in control throughout the first three matches but their series win wasn’t in doubt as New Zealand only reduced the margin of victory in the five-match contest.
For New Zealand it was a much needed consolation victory after three defeats in a row. Phillips’ stunning century and bowling unit response made Eden Park a memorable evening for home team.
Whitewash Dreams End, Final T20I Awaits
India’s hopes of completing a 5-0 sweep were now over. The teams will meet again in the fifth and final T20I on 1 November, 2026 in Hamilton.
India will want to finish off the tour with another win and New Zealand will want to take the momentum from Auckland into the final game.
After Phillips’ fireworks and disciplined bowling New Zealand have found a way to stop India winning. The final match now gives both teams another chance to make their mark.
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