Phillips braces for bigger tests after another rescue act

New Zealand's first game of the T20 World Cup and their final group game against Canada followed a similar script. Both were in Chennai, and in both, New Zealand's opponents posted substantial totals. Yet, New Zealand won comfortably each time, with Glenn Phillips producing an early rescue act in the PowerPlay after the loss of two quick wickets.

Against Afghanistan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman dismissed Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra off successive deliveries in the second over. Phillips walked in with intent, striking Mujeeb for three boundaries inside the PowerPlay and even taking on Rashid Khan. By the time Phillips departed, New Zealand had almost halved the target, effectively taking the game away.

Against Canada, who removed Allen and Tim Seifert early to leave New Zealand at 30/2, Phillips again flipped the momentum quickly. He smashed five sixes in a four-over burst and stayed till the end to finish the job. With Ravindra settling in for a fifty, Phillips unleashed his trademark switch-hit for six.

"Obviously short side, leg side, and the reason for switching rather than staying left-handed was to hopefully keep that gap over cow corner free," Phillips said. "So the opportunity came to use it today. 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."

Phillips' form is a major boost as New Zealand head into the Super 8s. While the openers have been in excellent touch, the team will need middle-order contributions, particularly when the top order fails, as against Canada. Such scenarios may become more frequent as they move from India to Sri Lanka, where conditions are expected to be more demanding for batters.

New Zealand face Sri Lanka, England, and likely Pakistan, all at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Batting is unlikely to be as straightforward there as in India. Phillips acknowledged the shift will require a change 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," he recalled. "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."

For Phillips and Ravindra, their roles in Sri Lanka could extend beyond batting. In the recent India-Pakistan clash at the same venue, both teams bowled a significant number of spin overs. Teams like Sri Lanka and Pakistan are likely to lean heavily on slow bowlers in those conditions.

New Zealand are already without Michael Bracewell for this tournament. "Obviously Beast (Bracewell) is a big loss for us with his power and his bowling as well," Phillips said. "But we do have the stocks with Ish (Sodhi), Rach (Ravindra) and myself to cover those overs, especially in this part of the world. We both love our bowling and the opportunity to contribute in both facets."

Mitchell Santner missed the Canada game due to illness, forcing New Zealand to bring in Cole McConchie, who had a difficult outing. While Santner is expected to return, the all-round contributions of Phillips and Ravindra could become even more crucial if New Zealand are to overcome their disappointing 2024 campaign and make a deeper run.