February 20, 2025

Glenn Phillips has played four ODIs since arriving in Pakistan a few weeks ago, amassed 215 runs off 162 balls, and been removed just once. On a challenging wicket where scoring runs was difficult, particularly in the early going. Phillips hammered 61 from 39 to put his team far above 300 before being dismissed today in New Zealand’s Champions Trophy opening against the hosts.

What is his secret? “I think that goes a long way in being able to be a hitter,” Glenn Phillips said following New Zealand’s 60-run victory in Karachi. “I’m just really clear at the moment; I’m seeing the ball really well, and I guess being still at the point of contact,” he added. “I haven’t always got it right in the past. But I’ve got a little bit of a feel for it for the moment.”

Champions Trophy 2025

In the previous tri-series against South Africa and Pakistan. Which acted as the last preparation for the Champions Trophy, he scored 106 not out, 28 not out, and 20 not out. With New Zealand’s run rate at that point averaging around five to the over. He joined a composed Tom Latham today at 191 for 4 in the 38th over. New Zealand finished with 113 from the final 10 overs (41-50) of a Champions Trophy innings, the second-highest total by any team. The two proceeded to hammer 125 from 74.

What did batters lack prior to this collaboration? Every time we’ve gone here [Karachi]. I believe we’ve played a different pitch, and it’s been played in a different manner.

I believe the pacers were more difficult to play during the day. When the ball was going up and down a lot. Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke’s bowling [during the chase] was a testament to their skill. But I believe the Pakistani boys’ bowling, particularly at the top. It made it difficult for us to escape early in the day.

I believe we’ve been incredibly flexible to different sorts of pitches, and it was wonderful to see some turn out there in the evening.

New Zealand’s next game is against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 24. Before they go to Dubai to take on India on March 2. To go to the semi-finals and beyond, they will need to continue to adjust for some time. But this was a good beginning.