New Zealand’s thrilling comeback in the Mirpur Test against Bangladesh was orchestrated by the strategic brilliance of batter Glenn Phillips, who played pivotal roles with both bat and ball. After suffering a 150-run defeat in the first Test in Sylhet, New Zealand faced a challenging target of 137 in Mirpur. However, Phillips, with an unbeaten 40, steered the team to victory alongside Mitchell Santner (35*) in a crucial 70-run partnership.*
Phillips, who had earlier contributed an essential 87 in the first innings and showcased his bowling prowess, divulged the mindset that guided him during the challenging chase. He adhered to the successful plan from the first innings, making adjustments based on learnings from the previous game.
The 27-year-old highlighted the challenge posed by Bangladesh’s spinners but praised his team’s resilience. Despite the early struggle at 69/6, Phillips and Santner remained composed, with Phillips emphasizing the importance of taking one run at a time and staying true to their processes.
Reflecting on the Bangladesh bowlers’ performance, Phillips acknowledged their initial effectiveness with the new ball but noted that scoring opportunities increased as the ball aged. He credited Santner for his quick thinking, calling his partner’s innings incredibly impressive and highlighting how Santner’s aggressive approach alleviated pressure.
Phillips, the third-highest wicket-taker in the series, also shone with the ball, picking eight wickets at an average of 16.37. He expressed gratitude to captain Tim Southee for showing confidence in his abilities, even in challenging conditions favorable to spinners.
New Zealand’s victory in Mirpur marks a significant turnaround in the series, showcasing the team’s resilience and Phillips’ multifaceted contributions.
