It was New Zealand’s day on Friday at a sold-out Eden Park when they sank India, who were high on confidence after three consecutive wins in the first three matches, to an 87-run defeat in the fourth T20I to at least open their victor account.
After being asked to bat, Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell unleashed a breathtaking assault, smashing 107 and 65 runs, respectively, to lead New Zealand to a massive total of 259/7 in 20 overs. Both batters turned the match into a entertaining display of power-hitting, forging a 115-run partnership. The monumental total was also their highest-ever T20I total. Moreover, it also became the highest total India have ever conceded in the shortest format.
Chasing the target, India could only manage 172/9, with Tilak Varma top-scoring with 35 runs. Jacob Duffy was the standout performer for New Zealand, claiming four wickets to run riot in India’s batting attack.