Glenn Phillips Sets New T20I Record in Thrilling Series Finale Against India
Historic Achievement by Glenn Phillips
In a remarkable display of skill, New Zealand's Glenn Phillips made history during the fifth and final T20I against India, becoming the highest run-scorer in a bilateral T20I series with a total of 341 runs. He secured this milestone with an impressive unbeaten score of 65 runs off 38 balls, leading the Black Caps to chase down a target of 192 runs in just 17.4 overs, ultimately winning the match by seven wickets at Seddon Park.
Phillips' achievement surpassed the previous record held by England's Phil Salt, who scored 331 runs against the West Indies in 2023, and Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan, who had 316 runs against England in 2022. Estonia's Sahil Chouhan is in fourth place with 297 runs against Cyprus in 2024, while New Zealand's Mark Chapman rounds out the top five with 290 runs against Pakistan in 2023.
Joining an Elite Club
With this performance, Phillips became part of an exclusive group of players who have scored four or more half-centuries in a bilateral T20I series. Previously, Rizwan achieved this against England in 2022, and Japan's S Ravichandran did so against Mongolia in 2024. Phillips is now the third player to reach this milestone during his series against India in 2026.
Record-Breaking Sixes in the Series
The T20I series between India and New Zealand was marked by an astonishing display of power-hitting, with both teams collectively hitting 259 sixes across 11 matches in 2026, averaging 23.5 sixes per game. India led the way with 142 sixes, while New Zealand contributed 117. In comparison, Cambodia holds the record for the most sixes against a single opponent in a calendar year, with 111 sixes against Indonesia in 2025.
Most Sixes in a Bilateral Series
Austria currently holds the record for the most sixes in a bilateral T20I series, having hit 132 against Germany in 2026. England follows with 120 sixes against the West Indies in 2023, and Australia recorded 117 sixes against the West Indies in 2025. Both New Zealand and India are tied for the next position, each hitting 116 sixes during their respective series in 2026.
New Zealand's Successful Chase
New Zealand's successful chase of 192 runs against India also marked their third-highest successful run chase in T20I history. Their top chase remains 201 runs against Zimbabwe in Hamilton in 2012, followed by 194 runs against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in 2023. The chase against India now stands at third place, ahead of their successful runs of 183 against Sri Lanka in Queenstown in 2023 and Afghanistan in Chennai in 2026.
Match Summary
In the final match, New Zealand triumphed over India by seven wickets at Seddon Park, successfully chasing down the target of 192 runs in just 17.4 overs. This victory served as a consolation for the Black Caps, as India had already secured the five-match series with a 3-2 lead. Tim Seifert was the standout performer for New Zealand, scoring a rapid 93 runs off 50 balls, while Glenn Phillips contributed with his unbeaten 65. Earlier, India managed to post 191/8, thanks to half-centuries from Ishan Kishan and captain Shreyas Iyer, but Adam Milne's impressive four-wicket haul kept them from reaching the 200-run mark.