Glenn Phillips tore through the Australian lineup, claiming five wickets as New Zealand were handed a target of 369 in the first Test against Australia at Wellington. Rachin Ravindra, with an unbeaten 56, and Daryl Mitchell, on 12 not out, held New Zealand's fort until the end of the Day 3's play, positioning the Black Caps at 111/3 after early jolts. New Zealand are still hopeful as they need 257 more runs to secure the win, with seven wickets still in play.
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Glenn Phillips runs riot with the ball
Spinner Glenn Phillips achieved his first five-wicket haul in first-class cricket with figures of 5/45, leading New Zealand to dismiss Australia's last six batsmen for an additional 37 runs, concluding the visitors' second innings at 164.
The Black Caps struggled with the bat as well. Openers Tom Latham and Will Young were dismissed early, and key player Kane Williamson managed only nine runs before being taken out by spinner Nathan Lyon.
Rachin Ravindra, marking his second half-century in his brief Test career with an unbeaten 56, and Daryl Mitchell, not out on 12, will continue their 52-run partnership into the fourth day.
Task cut out for New Zealand
The most successful fourth-innings chase for New Zealand was when they scored 324 against Pakistan in Christchurch in 1994. Their highest chase at the Basin Reserve came last year, scoring 285 to defeat Sri Lanka.
Australia will rely on off-spinner Lyon to secure a lead in the two-match series, which moves to its second Test in Christchurch on Friday.
Serving as nightwatchman, Lyon made New Zealand pay for a missed catch on the final ball of day two, scoring a quick 41 to advance Australia from 13-2 to 53-3 before he was caught off Matt Henry.
Opener Usman Khawaja was also out before lunch for 28, marking Phillips' first wicket through a stumping. However, Australia reached the break at 113-4, with their lead extending beyond 300.
Phillips dominated the second session, dismissing Travis Head for 29 and Mitchell Marsh with consecutive deliveries, then taking out Alex Carey and Cameron Green for 34.
Green's first-innings effort of 174 was pivotal for Australia's lead, but the second innings saw no late heroics as Henry (3-36) claimed the final two wickets.
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