New Zealand Crushes India by 87 Runs to Claim Fourth T20I

New Zealand secured a commanding 87-run victory over India in the fourth T20I at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, October 30, 2026. Powered by a destructive batting masterclass from Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell alongside a four-wicket haul from Jacob Duffy, the hosts successfully defended a massive total of 259/7.

Put into bat after India won the toss and elected to field, the Black Caps recovered from an early stumble at 34/2. Phillips smashed an explosive century, scoring 107 off just 49 balls with six fours and 10 sixes. He combined with Bracewell, who contributed 65 off 25 deliveries, in a sensational partnership that yielded 115 runs off only 40 balls for the fifth wicket, propelling New Zealand to their highest-ever T20I total.

The relentless scoring rate put immense pressure on the Indian bowling attack. Nitish Kumar Reddy conceded 32 runs in a single punishing over, while Axar Patel, Mayank Yadav, and Prince Yadav also faced severe treatment from the New Zealand batters. Despite Mayank Yadav returning to claim 3/48 for the visitors, New Zealand posted the highest T20I total by any team against India.

In response, India's run chase faltered almost immediately as opening bowler Jacob Duffy struck twice in the first over, removing Sanju Samson for four and dismissing Ishan Kishan for a duck. Abhishek Sharma and captain Shreyas Iyer attempted a brief counterattack inside the Powerplay before falling to leave the visitors struggling at 56/4.

Mitchell Santner further compounded India's difficulties during the middle overs by dismissing Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel in rapid succession. Although Tilak Varma provided some resistance with a fighting knock of 35 and Naman Dhir added 28, India's innings ultimately concluded at 172/9 in 20 overs.

During the match, Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh reached a historic milestone by claiming his 150th T20I wicket, becoming the first Indian player to achieve the feat in the format. Meanwhile, Glenn Phillips earned Player of the Match honors for his stellar performance throughout the series.

In separate cricket developments announced on the same day, Indian fast bowler Prasidh Krishna was officially ruled out of the upcoming five-week ODI series against New Zealand as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed that Krishna will join the India A squad for upcoming four-day fixtures once he clears his fitness assessments to prepare for the Test series beginning in November 2026.