Down 0‑3 in the series, New Zealand answered with a historic 259‑run total.
Key points
- New Zealand set a new T20 record total of 259/7 against India.
- Glenn Phillips' century and Michael Bracewell's 65 were the main drivers of the innings.
- The Black Caps overcame a slow outfield and early wickets to dominate the scoring rate.
On 30 October 2026 at Eden Park, the Black Caps responded to a 0‑3 deficit in the T20 series against India by posting their highest ever total in the format – 259 for 7.
Glenn Phillips anchored the innings with a blazing century, while Michael Bracewell added a rapid 65 off 25 balls; together they struck 16 sixes and pushed the run rate above 12 runs per over.
Record-breaking innings at Eden Park
The early overs were hampered by intermittent rain, leaving the outfield slower than usual and the Black Caps struggling to find boundaries in the first powerplay before Daryl Mitchell broke the shackles with back‑to‑back sixes.
Despite a few early nerves – including Finn Allen’s dismissal after a boundary catch that was initially over‑stepped – the partnership between Phillips and Bracewell accelerated, taking the score past 200 with four overs remaining.
Phillips and Bracewell drive the score
Phillips was eventually dismissed in the final over after reaching his hundred, leaving the crowd in a rapturous ovation as India prepared to chase the record total.
Reader questions
What was the Black Caps' final score against India?
The Black Caps finished on 259 for 7, their highest total in T20 cricket.
Who were the top scorers for New Zealand in the match?
Glenn Phillips scored a century and Michael Bracewell contributed 65 runs off 25 balls.
What was the series score after this match?
India led the five‑match T20 series 3‑0 at the time of the record innings.
Source: rnz.co.nz
