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Auckland (The NZ Today)
The Black Caps have produced a stunning batting response at Eden Park, smashing 259 for 7 against India — New Zealand’s highest-ever total in men’s T20 internationals.
Trailing 3-0 in the series, New Zealand needed something extraordinary to stay alive and Glenn Phillips delivered it with a blistering century, supported by an explosive 65 from Michael Bracewell.
The pair turned the innings into a six-hitting assault, combining for 16 sixes as India’s bowlers were repeatedly sent into the Eden Park stands.
New Zealand had not enjoyed a completely smooth start.
Tim Seifert departed early and Daryl Mitchell was trapped lbw after a rapid 24 from nine balls, leaving the hosts under some pressure.
Phillips then took control.
He accelerated through the middle overs and continued his strong series form, while Finn Allen provided useful support before being dismissed attempting to push the scoring rate higher.
The innings shifted into another gear once Bracewell joined Phillips.
Bracewell raced to 65 from just 25 deliveries, while Phillips powered on to three figures as their partnership pushed New Zealand beyond 200 with several overs still remaining.
India had an opportunity to remove Bracewell earlier, but a dropped chance proved costly as the pair continued to attack.
Phillips eventually completed his century with another six before being dismissed in the final over to a standing ovation from the Eden Park crowd.
By the end of the 20 overs, New Zealand had reached 259 for 7, setting a new national record in the format and leaving India facing a huge chase.
The innings came in front of a sold-out Eden Park crowd, with more than 40,000 spectators expected for the fourth match of the series.
India will now need to produce an equally remarkable batting performance if it is to complete another victory and extend its dominance of the series.
Source: RNZ Sport
