Glenn Phillips of New Zealand talked about his performances in ODI cricket. The all-rounder has been in formidable form with 215 runs in just four matches since arriving in Pakistan, including a free-flowing fifty against the hosts in Kiwis’ first match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
His explosive innings tremendously strengthened New Zealand’s first success in the group stage with a convincing 60-run victory over Pakistan in Karachi. After the victory, the all-rounder spoke about what had been working well for him in ODI cricket.
“I’m just really clear at the moment, I’m seeing the ball well and I guess being still at the point of contact. I think that goes a long way in being able to be a hitter,” he told ESPNCricinfo.
The Kiwis put up an imposing 320 for five batting first in Karachi, powered by centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham. But Phillips also had his due with a rapid 39-ball 61 towards the end of the first innings. He struck three boundaries and four sixes before being caught off Haris Rauf. In the three previous matches of the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series 2025, the 28-year-old went 106 not out, 28 not out, and then made a quick 20 before falling.
Here, Phillips explained why New Zealand batters had to hold their ground before his partnership with Latham. “I think we played on a different pitch, and it has played differently every time we were here [in Karachi],” he said.
“The pacers I think were harder to play during the day when the ball was going up and down a lot,” he added.
But the all-rounder also praised Pakistan’s bowlers, especially difficult for them in the first phase of the opening game of the Champions Trophy.
Phillips added, “The way the Pakistani boys bowled during the early overs made it quite tough for us.”
“I think we have been flexible enough to adjust to different styles of pitches and it was nice to see the turn in the evening.”
New Zealand’s next assignment is against Bangladesh at Rawalpindi on February 24. The last group match against India is on March 2. The Black Caps have to continue to change their plans to make it to the semi-finals and they have already set off with a good stride.
