New Zealand finally broke through in the five-match T20I series, beating India by 87 runs in the fourth T20I at Eden Park, Auckland, on Friday, 30 October 2026. After losing the first three matches, the hosts produced a record-breaking batting display and then defended it with a disciplined bowling performance to keep the series alive at 3-1.
Glenn Phillips was the star of the show, smashing 107 off just 49 balls as New Zealand posted 259 for 7, their highest total in T20 internationals.
India, chasing 260, never recovered from a disastrous start and finished on 172 for 9 in their 20 overs. The win ended India’s hopes of a 5-0 whitewash and gave New Zealand their first victory of the series, with one match still to play in Hamilton.
Match Summary
India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to field first, backing his bowlers on a ground famous for successful chases. For a brief period, that decision looked right. New Zealand were reduced to 34 for 2 inside the first four overs, and India had the early momentum. What followed, however, was one of the most destructive batting displays in New Zealand’s T20I history. See our fourth T20I preview for the build-up to this match.
Phillips, who had already been the hosts’ most consistent batter in the series, changed gears completely after a measured start. He reached his fifty off 31 balls and then exploded, bringing up his third T20I century off just 46 balls. The defining passage came in the 16th over, when he hit Nitish Kumar Reddy for four sixes in a row in a 32-run over. Phillips finished with 107 off 49 balls, including six fours and 10 sixes, before he was caught by Abhishek Sharma off Nitish Kumar Reddy. He had earlier been given a costly reprieve on 57, when Naman Dhir put down a skier at long-off. Michael Bracewell gave Phillips superb support. Walking in at 112 for 4 in the 11th over, Bracewell smashed 65 off just 25 balls, and the pair added 115 runs for the fifth wicket. Their partnership turned a promising total into a record one. Finn Allen (31) and Daryl Mitchell (24) had provided the early impetus, but it was Phillips and Bracewell who batted India out of the contest. New Zealand finished on 259 for 7, surpassing their previous best of 254 for 5 against Scotland and also setting a new record for the highest total ever scored against India in T20Is. Mayank Yadav was India’s most successful bowler with 3 for 48, while Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel took one wicket each.
Scorecard
| Team | Score | Top performers |
| New Zealand | 259/7 (20 overs) | Glenn Phillips 107 (49), Michael Bracewell 65 (25), Mayank Yadav 3-48 |
| India | 172/9 (20 overs) | Tilak Varma 35 (35), Naman Dhir 28, Jacob Duffy 4-23 |
| Result | New Zealand won by 87 runs | |
| Player of the Match | Glenn Phillips |
India’s chase was effectively over in the first over. Jacob Duffy removed both Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, leaving India on 4 for 2 before the crowd had settled. From there, the required rate climbed beyond reach, and wickets fell at regular intervals despite the full 20 overs being batted out. Tilak Varma top-scored with 35 off 35 balls, a figure that underlined how one-sided the contest had become, while Naman Dhir made 28. Prince Yadav (18 not out) and Mayank Yadav (3 not out) were unbeaten at the end as India closed on 172 for 9. Duffy finished with outstanding figures of 4 for 23, while Mitchell Santner took 2 for 24 and Fisher claimed 2 for 40. It was India’s second-biggest defeat when batting second in T20Is, and New Zealand’s biggest win over India in the format, bettering their 80-run victory in 2019.
Key Performances
- Glenn Phillips 107 off 49 balls, including 10 sixes — his third T20I century, reached off 46 balls, and the Player of the Match performance.
- Michael Bracewell 65 off 25 balls — a brutal counter-attacking innings that included a 115-run fifth-wicket stand with Phillips.
- Jacob Duffy 4 for 23 — removed both openers in the first over and never allowed India’s chase to settle.
- Mayank Yadav 3 for 48 — India’s best bowler on a difficult night for the visitors’ attack.
- Tilak Varma 35 off 35 balls — India’s top scorer in a chase that never got going.
- Mitchell Santner 2 for 24 — the New Zealand captain kept control through the middle overs as India fell behind the rate.
What It Means for the Series
The result does not change who has won the series — India had already sealed it with victories in Christchurch twice and in Wellington, where Abhishek Sharma’s 113 powered a six-wicket win in the third match. What it does change is the final complexion of the series. Instead of a 5-0 whitewash, India now lead 3-1 with the fifth and final T20I to come at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Sunday, 1 November 2026. See our New Zealand vs India 3rd T20I recap and New Zealand vs India 2nd T20I recap for how the series was decided.
For New Zealand, this was a statement win. They had shown flashes of quality throughout the series, particularly through Phillips, but had not been able to finish matches against India’s deep batting line-up. At Eden Park, they finally put together a complete performance: a record total, smart bowling changes, and sharp fielding pressure.
For India, it was a rare off night and a reminder that even a series already won can still punish loose bowling and dropped catches. The dropped chance to remove Phillips on 57 proved especially costly, and the early loss of both openers left the middle order with far too much to do.
The final match now becomes a contest for pride and momentum: New Zealand will chase a 3-2 finish, while India will want to restore the dominance they showed in the first three games.
FAQs
What was the result of the New Zealand vs India 4th T20I?
New Zealand won by 87 runs. New Zealand scored 259 for 7 and restricted India to 172 for 9 at Eden Park, Auckland, on 30 October 2026.
Who was the Player of the Match?
Glenn Phillips, for his 107 off 49 balls, including 10 sixes and six fours.
What is New Zealand’s highest T20I total now?
259 for 7 against India at Eden Park, beating their previous best of 254 for 5 against Scotland.
What is the series score after the 4th T20I?
India lead 3-1. India had already won the series after taking a 3-0 lead, and New Zealand’s win in Auckland avoided a whitewash.
When is the final match of the series?
The fifth and final T20I will be played at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Sunday, 1 November 2026.
Conclusion
Eden Park witnessed a night when New Zealand finally turned promise into a record-breaking performance. Glenn Phillips’ century, Michael Bracewell’s fearless support act and Jacob Duffy’s new-ball burst combined to produce a win that was as emphatic as it was overdue.
India remain series winners, but they leave Auckland with a clear lesson about the cost of missed chances at this level. The series now heads to Hamilton with the scoreline at 3-1, and New Zealand will believe they can finish with back-to-back wins. For the full scorecard and match details, see the ESPNcricinfo match report at the end of this article.
ESPNcricinfo match report: New Zealand vs India, 4th T20I
Green Benn is a dedicated sports writer specializing in cricket, including IPL and international formats. Known for clear, engaging, and informative content, Green simplifies complex match analysis and player statistics for all readers. Passionate about sports storytelling, Green delivers reliable, SEO-friendly articles that keep fans updated and informed
