Phillips and Bracewell power New Zealand past India

New Zealand beat India by 87 runs in the fourth T20I in Auckland on October 30, after Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell powered the hosts to 259 for 7. India finished on 172 for 9 in its chase of 260, giving New Zealand its first win of the five-match series, which India had already secured by winning the first three games. Phillips made 107 from 49 balls, hitting six fours and 10 sixes. Bracewell added 65 from 25 deliveries, including four fours and six sixes. The pair put on 115 runs from 40 balls, lifting New Zealand’s total toward 260 after the innings had lost early wickets. New Zealand’s 259 for 7 was reported as its highest T20I total against India. One account also described it as the team’s highest-ever T20I score, but that broader record claim was not established across the other match reports. The score was enough to set India a steep target, and the hosts’ bowlers made early inroads. Jacob Duffy dismissed Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan in the opening over, then returned to remove Naman Dhir and Arshdeep Singh. He finished with four wickets for 23 runs. India never built a substantial partnership; Tilak Varma top-scored with 35, while Naman Dhir made 28. New...