New Zealand Michael Bracewell reacts after scoring a half century during the T20 cricket international between New Zealand and India in Auckland, New Zealand, Friday, Oct. 30, 2026.

Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell powered New Zealand to a massive 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 by any team against India in the format.The previous highest total against India was England’s 257 for three in Southampton earlier in 2026. West Indies had also scored 252 for four in Ranchi in the same year.Highest T20I totals against India

New Zealand’s attacking approach came as little surprise after India had set the tone with their batting 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 with their search for boundaries.Phillips also moved to the top of the list for the most runs scored by a batter in a T20I series against India.Most runs in a T20I series against India

New Zealand lost Tim Seifert and Daryl Mitchell to pacer Mayank Yadav early in the innings but recovered through a 59-run partnership between Phillips and Finn Allen for the third wicket.Allen and Bevon Jacobs then departed in quick succession, briefly slowing New Zealand’s progress. However, Phillips and Bracewell took charge and attacked the Indian bowlers.Phillips first went after Prince Yadav, hitting the pacer for a six and two fours. He was even more aggressive against Nitish Kumar Reddy, taking 32 runs off the 16th over with a sequence of four, six, six, six and six.Phillips reached his half-century in 31 balls and made the most of Reddy’s pace. The final six of the over sailed over the sight screen after Phillips struck it straight down the ground.Bracewell was equally aggressive at the other end. He targeted left-arm spinner Axar Patel, hitting 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 effective bowler on the day, using deliveries in the mid-140s to trouble the New Zealand batters. However, Bracewell also used his pace against him, hitting two consecutive sixes with a flick and a scoop.Bracewell was eventually dismissed leg before wicket by Prince after reaching his half-century, but Phillips continued to lead the attack.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 only 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 final five overs to finish on 259 for seven.