Glenn Phillips makes script history, unleashes havoc as New Zealand smash highest T20I total vs India

New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell reacts after scoring a half-century during the T20 International cricket match between New Zealand and India in Auckland, New Zealand, Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell powered New Zealand to a massive score of 259 for seven against India in the fourth T20I in Auckland on Friday, with the hosts using an aggressive approach to post the highest total of any team against India in the format.The previous highest total against India was England’s 257 for three at Southampton earlier in 2026. West Indies also posted 252 for four at Ranchi in the same year.Highest T20I totals against IndiaScoreTeamVenueYear259/7New ZealandAuckland2026257/3EnglandSouthampton2026252/4West IndiesRanchi2026247/3West IndiesHyderabad2026246/7EnglandWankhede2026245attack2026245approachWest’HillLaupapproach066245/6 as a small surprise after India set the tone with their bat in the third T20I, which they won to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.Phillips scored 107 off 49 balls while Bracewell made 65 off just 25 deliveries. The pair added 115 runs off 41 balls for the fifth wicket, keeping the Indian bowlers under pressure in search of boundaries.

Who do you think was New Zealand’s best player in the fourth T20I against India?

More than 3,000 users shared the opinion today

More than 5,000 users have already voted today

More than 3,000 users shared the opinion today

Share an opinionPhillips also moved to the top of the list for most runs scored by a batsman in a T20I series against India.Most runs in the T20I series against IndiaRunsPlayerSeries276Glenn PhillipsNew Zealand, 2026261Shai HopeIndia, 2026229Harry BrookEngland, 2026221Sherfane RutherfordIndia, 2026184Nicholas PooranIndia, 2022New Zealand lost Tim Seifert and Daryl Mitchell with pacer Mayank Yadav early in the innings, but recovered thanks to a 59-run third wicket partnership between Phillips and Finn Allen.Allen and Bevon Jacobs then departed in quick succession, briefly slowing New Zealand’s progress. However, Phillips and Bracewell took the lead and attacked the Indian bowlers.Phillips first went after Prince Yadav and hit the pacer for a six and two fours. He was even more aggressive against Nitish Kumar Reddy, hitting 32 runs in the over in the order of four, six, six, six and six.Phillips reached his half-century in 31 balls, making the most of Reddy’s pace. The final six of the flyover went over the visor after Phillips hit it straight from the ground.Bracewell was just as aggressive at the other end. He targeted Axar Patel’s left arm and hit him for three fours and a six in one over to bring up his half-century in just 18 balls.Mayank was India’s most efficient bowler on the day, tormenting the New Zealand batsmen with deliveries in the mid-140s. However, Bracewell also used his pace against him, hitting two consecutive sixes with a flick and a flick.Bracewell was eventually dismissed leg by Prince after reaching his half-century, but Phillips continued to lead the charge.The partnership took New Zealand from 112 for four in the 11th over to 227 for five in 17.2 overs.Phillips then brought up his third T20I century in just 46 balls, hitting a straight six off Arshdeep Singh. He scored his second fifty in just 15 deliveries.The right-hander was dismissed by Reddy soon after reaching the three-figure mark, but New Zealand had already done most of the damage. The hosts scored 85 runs in the last five overs to finish at 259 for seven.