Powered by Kane Williamson’s composed 93 and Glenn Phillips’ fiery 58, the hosts posted a competitive total of 348 runs in their first innings. England, in reply, got off to a dismal start, with Zak Crawley falling for a 12-ball duck. Debutant Jacob Bethell couldn’t make an impact either, managing just 10 off 34 deliveries. However, Harry Brook and Ollie Pope steadied the ship, building a resilient 151-run partnership to take England to 222/4. The New Zealand bowlers, desperate for a breakthrough, finally got their moment of relief thanks to Tim Southee and an extraordinary effort from Glenn Phillips.
On the second ball of the 53rd over, Southee bowled a short and wide delivery outside off stump. Pope saw the width and attempted a cut shot towards the third man. However, with the ball angling away, the shot was mistimed. Despite making solid contact, Pope failed to keep it down and likely assumed the ball was racing to the boundary. But Phillips, stationed at gully had other plans. Reading the trajectory perfectly, he launched himself to his right and dived to complete a breathtaking one-handed catch. As the ball stuck in his outstretched hand, Phillips leapt up in celebration and tossed the ball into the air while his teammates swarmed him in elation.
What a grab!
