NZ vs WI: Glenn gives ‘Phillip’ to Kiwis

The middle-order batsman hit eight sixes and 10 fours in his 108 off 51 balls as the host, which won the opening T20I by five wickets, posted a massive 238 for three in its 20 overs after put in to bat first at Mount Maunganui.

 West Indies kept losing wickets at regular intervals in its chase and could only reach 166 for nine. Colin Munro had taken 47 balls to reach his century against West Indies at the same ground in 2018 for New Zealand’s fastest hundred in the shortest format of the game, but Phillips bettered the mark by taking a delivery less for his ton.

 None of the West Indies bowlers could make an impact, with fast bowler Keemo Paul returning the worst figures among them, conceding 64 off his four overs.

 The 23-year-old Phillips added 184 for the third wicket with Devon Conway, who made an unbeaten 65 off 37 deliveries.

 “It was absolutely brilliant,” Phillips said during the innings break.

 “Dev is an absolutely amazing player to play with and keeps you calm under pressure. To be a part of a partnership that big is just unbelievable. It was a lot of fun.”

 The third and final T20 will be played at the same venue on Monday before the sides play a two-Test series starting Thursday in Hamilton.

 STATS CORNER 

 BRIEF SCORES: New Zealand 238/3 in 20 overs (G Phillips 108, D Conway 65*) bt West Indies 166/9 in 20 overs (K Pollard 28, K Jamieson 2/15)