Auckland, October 30(HS): Glenn Phillips' explosive century and Michael Bracewell's blistering half-century powered New Zealand to an emphatic 87-run victory over India in the fourth T20 International on Friday. Chasing a formidable target of 260, India were bowled out for 172, although they continue to lead the five-match series 3-1.

Phillips produced a magnificent 107 off just 49 deliveries, while Bracewell smashed 65 off 25 balls as New Zealand piled up a formidable 259 for seven. Their commanding performances helped the hosts register their first victory of the series and avoid another defeat against India.

Duffy's opening-over double strike left India reeling, and the visitors struggled to recover from the early setbacks. India lost four wickets during the powerplay, reaching 61 for four after six overs.

Sanju Samson was dismissed for four, while Ishan Kishan was sent back without opening his account, with Jacob Duffy striking twice in the first over. Abhishek Sharma attempted to revive the innings with a brisk 27 off 15 balls, including three boundaries and a six, but Matthew Fisher dismissed him in the fifth over.

Shreyas Iyer contributed a quickfire 22 off 11 deliveries, hitting four boundaries, before Adam Milne bowled him in the sixth over. India were consequently reduced to 61 for four at the end of the powerplay.

Naman Dhir and Tilak Varma then attempted to stabilise the innings. Dhir played an aggressive knock of 28 off just 13 balls, striking two fours and two sixes. However, Duffy dismissed him in the 12th over after Daryl Mitchell and Nathan Smith combined to complete the catch near the boundary.

Nitish Kumar Reddy also provided some resistance, scoring 21 off 10 deliveries, including two sixes, before falling to Mitchell Santner.

Tilak Varma remained India's principal contributor, scoring 35 off 35 balls. Despite struggling to build momentum, he continued to fight until the closing stages before Matthew Fisher dismissed him in the penultimate over, further denting India's hopes of an unlikely comeback. Prince Yadav remained unbeaten on 18 as India finished at 172 for nine in their allotted 20 overs.

Duffy was New Zealand's most successful bowler, claiming four wickets for 23 runs in his four overs. Santner and Fisher picked up two wickets apiece, while Milne chipped in with one.

Earlier, Glenn Phillips' outstanding century and Michael Bracewell's explosive half-century propelled New Zealand to a formidable total of 259 for seven in their allotted 20 overs against India in the fourth T20I on Friday.

Phillips smashed 107 off just 49 deliveries, while Bracewell contributed a blistering 65 from 25 balls. The duo stitched together a remarkable 115-run partnership off just 41 deliveries for the fifth wicket, turning the momentum decisively in New Zealand's favour.

India's bowling attack has endured a particularly difficult year in T20 cricket. Indian bowlers have conceded more than 200 runs on 11 occasions in 2026, the highest such tally by any team's bowling attack in a single calendar year. Before this, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals bowlers had conceded more than 200 runs nine times each in 2026.

India had dominated the first three matches of the series, successfully chasing targets of 198, 180 and 225. However, New Zealand produced a commanding batting display in the fourth encounter, registering their highest T20I total on home soil and putting an end to their losing streak in the series.

After being asked to bat first, New Zealand suffered an early setback when Mayank Yadav dismissed Tim Seifert for three in the opening over. Mayank subsequently conceded 20 runs in his next over but bounced back by removing Daryl Mitchell, who had scored 24. New Zealand were reduced to 34 for two.

Finn Allen and Phillips then took charge, launching a counterattack against the Indian bowlers. The pair guided New Zealand to 67 for two during the six-over powerplay, maintaining an impressive scoring rate.

Their aggressive approach continued after the powerplay until Axar Patel dismissed Allen for 31 off 17 deliveries. The opener struck two fours and two sixes before departing.

Phillips subsequently found support in Bevon Jacobs as New Zealand reached 109 for three after 10 overs. However, Mayank Yadav struck again in the 11th over, dismissing Jacobs for seven and bringing an end to his run of three consecutive innings of more than 30 runs.

Bracewell then joined Phillips at the crease, and the pair launched a devastating assault on the Indian bowling attack. Both batters repeatedly cleared the boundary, exploiting gaps in the field and putting the bowlers under immense pressure.

Their partnership yielded 115 runs from just 41 deliveries for the fifth wicket, taking New Zealand beyond the 200-run mark in the 16th over. Bracewell was particularly destructive, reaching his half-century in just 19 balls before Prince Yadav brought the partnership to an end.

During their remarkable stand, Phillips and Bracewell plundered 52 runs from two overs bowled by Nitish Kumar Reddy and Mayank Yadav, maintaining a staggering scoring rate of 16.82 runs per over.

Even after Bracewell's dismissal, Phillips continued his assault. He brought up his century by smashing a six off Arshdeep Singh, completing a magnificent 107-run innings.

Arshdeep, meanwhile, achieved a significant personal milestone by dismissing Mitchell Santner with the final delivery of his spell to claim his 150th T20I wicket, becoming the first Indian bowler to reach the landmark.

Phillips' spectacular innings finally came to an end in the final over when Nitish Kumar Reddy dismissed him. His 107 off 49 deliveries included six fours and 10 sixes, providing the foundation for New Zealand's imposing total of 259 for seven.

For India, Mayank Yadav led the bowling effort with three wickets, while Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel claimed one wicket each.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar