Auckland, Oct 31:
Glenn Phillips produced a breathtaking batting display, smashing a 49-ball 107 as New Zealand thrashed India by 87 runs in the fourth T20I at Eden Park on Friday. Michael Bracewell also played a blistering knock of 65 off just 25 deliveries as New Zealand piled up a massive 259 for seven in 20 overs. In reply, India managed only 172 for nine, suffering their first defeat of the five-match series.
New Zealand, who were asked to bat, did not have everything their way initially as Indian bowlers picked up wickets at regular intervals. However, Phillips changed the complexion of the innings with an explosive assault. He struck six fours and 10 sixes, reaching his century in just 46 deliveries. Bracewell provided equally aggressive support, smashing four boundaries and six sixes as the duo dismantled the Indian bowling attack.
Phillips and Bracewell stitched together a match-defining 115-run partnership off just 40 balls, transforming New Zealand’s innings and taking the hosts past the 250-run mark. Their extraordinary acceleration in the middle overs left India with a daunting target of 260. The Indian bowlers struggled to contain the late assault, with New Zealand finishing at 259 for seven.
India’s chase got off to a disastrous start when Jacob Duffy struck twice in the opening over, dismissing Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. The early blows put India under enormous pressure. Abhishek Sharma attempted to revive the innings with 27 off 15 balls, while Shreyas Iyer contributed 22 off 11 deliveries. However, the New Zealand bowlers kept striking at regular intervals, preventing India from building any substantial partnership.
Despite the defeat, India remain in control of the series, having already sealed it with an unassailable 3-0 lead in the first three matches. New Zealand’s emphatic victory has reduced the margin to 3-1 and given the visitors a chance to finish the series on a positive note. The fifth and final T20I will now provide India an opportunity to bounce back and restore their winning momentum, while New Zealand will look to carry forward the confidence gained from this comprehensive victory.