Just tried to stay positive and get a competitive total, says head Glenn Phillips | Cricket News

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SYDNEY: With 15 runs on the board and the top three New Zealand batsmen back in the dugout, Glen Phillipswho scored a match-winning century says the only thing on his mind was to reach a competitive total.
New Zealand were in all kinds of trouble before Phillips, who scored a 64-ball 104, and Daryl Mitchell (22) put on an 84-run partnership as the Black Caps defeated Sri Lanka by 65 runs in the T20 World Cup.
“Daryll and I were very clear we wanted to be as positive as possible and try to make the right positive choice,” Phillips, who was named player of the match, said in the post-match presentation.
“On a pitch like that it was a bit difficult to hit the slower ball so it was just about getting through and trying to get a competitive total.”
The wicketkeeper-batsman, who was dropped twice, was happy to score against the pacers.
“I couldn’t put away the slower ones but managed to execute my skills against the pacers, especially when the pace was on. The bowlers did well later on.”
Trent Boult recorded his best ever T20 figures as New Zealand bowlers bowled out Sri Lanka for 102.
“They swung the new ball (Boult and Southee), the slower ones held the surface, getting early wickets was crucial and we managed that early,” said Phillips. ?
“It was an exceptional performance by our bowlers and fielders, we were high on energy throughout.”
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was effusive in his praise for Phillips.
“Unbelievable, any century is unbelievable, but the way he worked hard and put pressure on the opposition after our poor start.
“We were aggressive but kept it simple in the powerplay, the length ball was the hardest to hit so we stuck to that and those cutters. The boys executed the plans really well.
“Interesting match, the wicket was different as the surface had some tennis ball bounce, so slower balls, cutters were very effective.”
Sri Lanka were in control in the first 10 overs of the match, but lack of discipline and poor fielding cost them dearly.
“We started really well, especially in the first 10 overs. But credit to Glenn Phillips who played an excellent knock. We also dropped some catches,” said captain Dasun Shanaka.
“160 is always a tough ask with their bowling attack, also (Trent) Boult and (Tim) Southee bowled very well up front. There is a way to chase big totals and in the first few overs you have to give yourself a give a chance We never settled in the wicket.”
However, Shanaka still feels the Asia Cup champions can reach the semi-finals.
“If we get a couple of wins, we still have a chance to qualify, so we’re just looking forward to it.”



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