SportsPosted at: Oct 22 2026 2:39PM


Phillips’ unbeaten 82 powers New Zealand to 225/4 against India

Christchurch, Oct 22 (UNI) An explosive unbeaten 82 by Glenn Phillips propelled New Zealand to 225 for four against India in the first T20 International of the series at Hagley Oval here on Thursday, equalling their joint-highest total against India in the format.
Phillips struck eight fours and three sixes in his 40-ball knock at a strike rate of 205 as New Zealand capitalised on India's decision to bowl first after winning the toss.
Finn Allen provided an aggressive start with 45 off 24 balls, including five fours and two sixes, while Tim Seifert contributed 24 off 17 deliveries as New Zealand raced to 65 without loss in the powerplay.
India secured their first breakthrough when Mayank Yadav dismissed Seifert in the fifth over. Axar Patel then removed Allen at 80 in 7.4 overs, with Tilak Varma taking the catch at long-off.
Daryl Mitchell kept the scoring rate high with 28 off 19 balls, sharing a 42-run partnership with Phillips before falling to Arshdeep Singh in the 13th over. Bhuvneshwar Kumar took the catch at short third man.
Phillips then took charge, accelerating against India's bowlers with an array of boundaries and sixes. He brought up his 13th T20I half-century with a six off Mayank Yadav in the 17th over and continued the assault in the death overs.
Bevon Jacobs added further impetus with 31 off 16 balls, including three sixes, as he and Phillips put on 73 runs off 32 deliveries for the fourth wicket. Jacobs was run out by Arshdeep Singh in the 18th over after a direct contest with the bowler, who kicked the ball onto the stumps while attempting to prevent the single.
Phillips remained unbeaten as New Zealand crossed 200 in the 19th over. Michael Bracewell, who finished not out on seven, provided support in an unbroken 30-run stand off 15 balls.
Phillips finished the innings in style, dispatching Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a boundary through cover with a switch-hit off the final delivery.
For India, Mayank Yadav, Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh claimed one wicket each. Axar conceded 51 runs in four overs, while Bhuvneshwar gave away 49. Nitish Kumar Reddy also conceded 40 runs without taking a wicket.
New Zealand finished at a run rate of 11.25, setting India a target of 226 for victory.
UNI BDN
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