New Zealand registered their first victory of the T20I series, defeating India by 87 runs in the fourth match at Eden Park on Friday.
Despite the result, India retain an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. Glenn Phillips smashed 107 off just 49 balls, while Michael Bracewell contributed 65 from 25 deliveries as New Zealand posted a record 259/7. Their 115-run partnership off 40 balls for the fifth wicket propelled the hosts to their highest T20I total and the highest score against India in the format.
Jacob Duffy led the bowling attack with four wickets, dismantling India’s top order in the opening over by dismissing Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. India struggled throughout the chase and finished at 172/9. Tilak Varma scored 35, while Naman Dhir made 28.
Mayank Yadav claimed three wickets for India. Arshdeep Singh reached 150 T20I wickets, becoming the first Indian to achieve the milestone.