Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips delivered a batting masterclass in the deciding ODI, smashing commanding centuries to propel New Zealand to a towering total and lay the foundation for their historic series triumph. On a surface that rewarded positive stroke play but demanded discipline, the duo showcased power, composure, and game awareness to dismantle the Indian bowling attack.
After being asked to bat, New Zealand’s innings was steady rather than explosive in the early phase. The top order focused on seeing off the new ball, rotating strike, and avoiding a collapse against India’s seamers. Once that platform was set, Mitchell and Phillips took complete control, shifting gears seamlessly and turning a competitive score into an imposing one.
Daryl Mitchell was the architect of the innings, producing a superb 137, an effort built on patience early and authority later. Mitchell absorbed pressure during the middle overs, targeting gaps rather than forcing risky shots. As the innings progressed, he began to dominate, punishing anything short or overpitched and repeatedly clearing the infield. His ability to switch between accumulation and aggression ensured New Zealand never lost momentum.
At the other end, Glenn Phillips played the role of accelerator-in-chief, blasting a stunning 106 that completely altered the tempo of the innings. Phillips was fearless against both pace and spin, using his strong base and quick hands to access all parts of the ground. His boundary-hitting spree in the final overs turned a strong total into a daunting one, putting India firmly on the back foot.
The partnership between Mitchell and Phillips was the decisive phase of the match. Together, they neutralised India’s plans, whether it was pace-off deliveries, short-ball tactics, or changes in field placements. Whenever India looked to claw back control, one of the two responded with a boundary, keeping the scoreboard ticking relentlessly.
India’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, particularly at the death. Missed yorkers and slower balls that sat up were punished, while even good deliveries were often muscled into gaps. The pressure created by Mitchell’s anchoring role allowed Phillips to play with freedom, resulting in one of the most destructive finishing acts of the series.
By the time New Zealand closed their innings, the total on the board reflected complete batting dominance. It wasn’t just the number of runs that stood out, but the manner in which they were scored — calculated, controlled, and then brutally expanded in the final stretch.
In the context of the series, the innings carried even greater significance. With the decider at stake, Mitchell and Phillips delivered under maximum pressure, showing mental toughness and clarity of roles. Their centuries not only powered New Zealand to a massive score but also sent a clear message about the side’s evolution as a confident, attacking ODI unit.
This knock will be remembered as one of New Zealand’s finest batting performances in India. Mitchell’s composure and Phillips’ explosiveness formed the perfect combination — a partnership that didn’t just win a match, but helped script a historic series victory.
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