Twitter Reactions: Glenn Phillips’ ton powers New Zealand to comprehensive series win

New Zealand had a bit of a stutter in their opening T20I against the West Indies, though they got over the line in the rain-curtailed game. However, the Black Caps turned up with a more clinical performance in the second game, winning by 72 runs. With the triumph at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, the home team, led by Tim Southee, secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Phillips comes to the party

The Caribbeans’ decision to field first backfired miserably on them as the Kiwis amassed a humongous 238/3 in 20 overs. Martin Guptill (34) and Tim Seifert (18) set the tone for the innings with a 49-run stand before Oshane Thomas broke the partnership. Soon after Fabian Allen nipped out Guptill to give the visitors their second breakthrough. From there on, it was about Glenn Phillips.

The right-hander got to his half-century off a mere 22 balls and then went on to hammer his century off 46 deliveries. In the 20th over, he indeed got out to Kieron Pollard, but by then, he had already done the damage. His 51-ball 108 was laced with 10 fours and eight sixes. He got the apt support from Devon Conway, who smashed 65 runs off 37 balls with the help of four fours and as many sixes.

Black Caps dominant

West Indies were never in the run-chase as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Kyle Jamieson drew first blood, castling Brandon King for a golden duck in the second over. Jamieson was arguably the standout Kiwis’ pacer as he finished with an incredible spell of 4-0-15-2. In the top four, Andre Fletcher, Shimron Hetmyer and Kyle Mayers got into the 20s, but no one could convert their starts.

Kieron Pollard got going with four sixes in his 15-ball 28, but once Mitchell Santner accounted for his wicket, the match was all over bar the shouting. Santner also picked up the crucial wicket of Nicholas Pooran, who got out to a caught and bowled. Keemo Paul threw his bat around for an 18-ball 26, but his efforts were never going to be enough for the visiting team to get over the finishing line.

Here’s how the netizens reacted to New Zealand’s victory-