New Zealand’s star all-rounder Glenn Phillips turned left-handed in the Super Smash 2025-26 encounter and smashed a six to stun everyone on the field and outside. Central Districts skipper Jayden Lennox was smiling as he saw Phillips bat left-handed. But, the Otago batted wiped it off immediately with a six over the off-side fence.
The incident took place in the final over of Otago’s innings at Molyneux Park, Alexandra. Five runs had come off the first four deliveries. Lennox was darting it in, not giving enough room. Phillips took the unorthodox route on the penultimate delivery. He turned left-handed. Lennox turned to umpire who was surprised to see the change as well. The left-arm spinner did not let Phillips hit with the spin. He bowled it wide but Phillips smashed it over the deep covers for a maximum. The shot left Ajaz Patel stunned as well.
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Phillips continued to play left-handed. He hit the ball towards deep mid-wicket but got just a single. While Phillips is quick between the wickets, his batting partner Ben Lockrose got run out in an attempt to sneak another run.
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Phillips’ impressive knock
Phillips remained unbeaten for 90 off 48 deliveries. He walked out to bat at no.4 in the fifth over of the innings. He was batting for a run-a-ball 15 after the 11th over. In the 17th over, he went berserk, hitting Toby Findlay for three fours and a six. He reached his fifty from 32 balls. He scored all the boundaries in the slog overs and helped Otago post 193/7. His unbeaten 90 featured seven fours and four sixes. This is his 45th half-century in T20 cricket.
In the run chase, central Districts managed to post 152/8 and lost the match by 41 runs. Otago skipper Luke Georgeson starred with a four-fer. But, Phillips was named 'Player of the match' for his unbeaten 90.
Phillips makes a statement
Phillips has been named in New Zealand’s ODI and T20I squads for India tour. In the absence of big names, Phillips’ role will be crucial in the three-ODI series which begins on January 11. Later, he will prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026 in the five-T20I series against Suryakumar Yadav’s India.