Indore, Jan 18 (NationPress) All-rounder Glenn Phillips emphasized the significance of forming a partnership while batting alongside Daryl Mitchell to stabilize New Zealand’s innings in the series finale against India, culminating in a commendable total of 337/8 at Holkar Stadium on Sunday.

After being asked to bat first on a tricky black soil pitch, New Zealand found themselves in a tough spot at 58/3. However, the duo of Mitchell (137) and Phillips (106) forged a remarkable 219-run partnership off 186 balls that propelled the visitors to a strong position.

“The ground is small, and the pitch played more unevenly than anticipated. Our focus was on constructing a partnership. The objective was to establish that partnership and provide ourselves with a chance,” Phillips remarked during a mid-innings interview with the broadcasters.

Phillips had a slow beginning, taking 37 balls to hit his first boundary, but quickly turned the tide to secure his second ODI century. He acknowledged that Mitchell’s solid scoring helped alleviate the pressure he felt during his struggle for rhythm.

“There was a moment around the 30th over where I felt a bit anxious, but batting with Mitchell instilled a lot of confidence in me. He was hitting the ball well, which eased the strain on me. In an ODI, you can afford to take your time, go deeper, and then unleash your shots,” he added.

Phillips concluded by expressing hope that New Zealand’s spinners would capitalize on any turn in their defense of such a sizable total. “We initially targeted 280 during the 25th over; they bowled exceptionally well in the middle overs, and we’re pleased with 337. There was some turn when (Ravindra) Jadeja bowled, and we hope to leverage that in the second innings.”