Auckland: Glenn Phillips smashed a blistering century as New Zealand defeated India by 87 runs in the fourth T20 International at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, registering their first victory of the five-match series.
After India won the toss and elected to bowl, New Zealand produced a formidable batting performance to post 259 for seven in 20 overs. Phillips was the star of the innings, scoring 107 off just 49 deliveries, with his knock featuring a series of boundaries and sixes that put the Indian bowlers under sustained pressure.
Michael Bracewell also made a valuable contribution as the hosts accelerated during the middle and death overs to register their highest-ever T20I total.
For India, Mayank Yadav picked up three wickets for 48 runs, while the other bowlers struggled to contain New Zealand’s aggressive approach.
Chasing a challenging target of 260, India lost wickets at regular intervals and failed to build the partnerships needed to stay in contention. Tilak Varma top-scored with 35, but the visitors were eventually restricted to 172 for nine in their allotted 20 overs.
New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy led the bowling effort with four wickets for 23 runs, while the hosts maintained control throughout the Indian innings to seal a comprehensive victory.
The 87-run win gave New Zealand their first success in the series, although India continue to hold a 3-1 lead after winning the opening three matches and securing the series. The two sides will meet again in the fifth and final T20I on November 1.
