T20 World Cup 2026: ‘You’ve got to trust it’ - Glenn Phillips on momentum-shifting knock in Chennai

New Zealand’s opening match of the ongoing T20 World Cup and their final group-stage fixture against Canada followed a similar pattern. Both encounters were held in Chennai, and in each game their opponents managed to post competitive totals, putting pressure on the Kiwi batting unit.

Against Afghanistan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman provided an early setback in just the second over, dismissing Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra off successive deliveries. With New Zealand suddenly on the back foot, Glenn Phillips walked in with clear intent and immediately counterattacked, taking the pressure off his side with aggressive stroke play.

With qualification at stake in the clash against Canada, the tension was evident, particularly after the early dismissals of the openers once again. This time, Phillips had Ravindra for company, despite the latter not being in the best of form in recent outings. However, Phillips showed no signs of nerves. He quickly shifted the momentum in New Zealand’s favour, unleashing five sixes that put the opposition bowlers under immense pressure and steadied his team’s chase.

"Obviously short side, leg side, and the reason for switching rather than staying left-handed to start was to hopefully keep that gap over cow corner free. So obviously the opportunity came to use it today and sometimes you've actually still got to bring it out and have the courage to use it in a game, which can be hard, but if you've practiced it, you've got to trust it,” said Phillips after the game as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Phillips’ form will serve as a significant boost for New Zealand as they head into the Super Eight stage. While the openers have been in excellent touch in recent matches, the side will require consistent contributions from the middle order as well, especially on occasions when the top order fails to deliver.

New Zealand are set to face Sri Lanka, England and, in all likelihood, Pakistan in the next phase, with all three fixtures scheduled at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The venue is traditionally known for assisting spinners and demanding greater adaptability from batters. Phillips himself acknowledged that the change in conditions will necessitate a corresponding shift in approach.

"We did have a good experience over here a year or so back playing Sri Lanka when they were really, really strong at home. They were producing pitches that were turning a lot, and having that experience helps. I don't think they'll turn to that extent this time, but it's about understanding our options, how we attack the game, and whether 160 becomes a good score. The grounds are bigger as well, so twos and threes will be more crucial than just boundaries,” said Phillips.