Phillips, Jacobs Fifties Power New Zealand To 180/5 Against India In Christchurch

Glenn Phillips and Bevon Jacobs struck impressive half-centuries as New Zealand posted 180/5 against India in the second T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on Saturday.

The hosts recovered from 41/3 after 5.2 overs through a crucial 116-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Phillips scored 70 off 43 balls, while Jacobs contributed 58 off 46 deliveries.

India’s bowlers exploited the used surface and restricted New Zealand to 43/3 during the powerplay. Arshdeep Singh dismissed Tim Seifert after Tilak Varma caught his mistimed shot at cover.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, returning to India duty, removed Daryl Mitchell for six in the next over. Prince Yadav then bowled Finn Allen during the final over of the powerplay.

India maintained pressure through disciplined hard-length and short-pitched deliveries. However, Phillips and Jacobs rebuilt the innings and capitalised whenever the bowlers missed their lines.

Phillips and Jacobs completed their 50-run stand off 43 balls before accelerating against India’s bowlers. Phillips reached his half-century from 33 balls, while Jacobs brought up his fifty off 40 deliveries.

Their 116-run partnership off 76 balls became New Zealand’s highest century stand for the fourth or lower wicket against India in T20Is, surpassing the previous record of 99 runs.

Arshdeep ended Phillips’ innings in the 18th over, with Naman Dhir taking the catch at deep point. Nitish Kumar Reddy then dismissed Jacobs, caught at long-off by Axar Patel.

Michael Bracewell struck boundaries alongside captain Mitchell Santner to help New Zealand finish at 180/5.

Arshdeep led India’s attack with 2/33 in four overs. Bhuvneshwar, Prince and Nitish claimed one wicket each.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 180/5 in 20 overs (Phillips 70, Jacobs 58; Arshdeep 2/33, Prince 1/30).

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