Last Updated on 1 minute ago by Charbel Coorey

New Zealand have finally registered a win in the T20I series against India, handing the visitors their second-biggest loss in terms of runs (87). After belting 259/7, the result was never in doubt after the Black Caps ripped through India’s dangerous top order to leave them four down at the end of the powerplay.

Given the small ground dimensions at Eden Park and India’s batting might, New Zealand needed a big score after losing the toss yet again. They went hard in the first half of the innings, but were in a tricky predicament at 112/4 in the 11th over. However, it was all New Zealand from there.

Glenn Phillips was at his best with the bat, beautifully supported by Michael Bracewell. The pair combined for 115 runs in just 6.4 overs, completely turning the momentum of the match. Phillips finished with 107 off 49 balls, including 32 from a single over off Nitish Kumar Reddy. Bracewell was mighty impactful with a 25-ball 65. They hit 10 fours and 16 sixes between them.

During the break, there would have been anticipation as to whether India could chase this mammoth total. Earlier this week, they made a mockery of their chase of 199 in Wellington, reaching the target in 13.2 overs. But, the Auckland win ensured there was no dew, which put the ball in New Zealand’s court.

India lost Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan to Jacob Duffy in the first over, before Matt Fisher’s hard length delivery accounted for Abhishek Sharma. By the time Shreyas Iyer was dismissed in the sixth over, the result was a formality. In the end, India did well to reach 172/9 after falling to 121/8 in the 12th over. Jacob Duffy had a fine night with the ball, taking 4/23.

“Fabulous. Really good pitch to bat on,” man of the match Glenn Phillips said after the game. “We made the most of it. Nice to get a few and contribute.”

India captain Shreyas Iyer lamented the bowling as they were unable to stop the momentum. “We fell short in our bowling. The powerplay, especially in the third over, they got the momentum thereon,” he said. “Exceptional shots from Glenn, some phenomenal shots, pure bliss. Important to restrospect, we have to see how to bounce back.”

NZ vs IND 4th T20 Social Media/Twitter Reactions: Black Caps produce dominant win over India

Here are some of the reactions to New Zealand’s big win.

The fifth and final T20I will be at Hamilton on Sunday before the ODI series begins on Wednesday November 4.