Glenn Phillips snapped the fastest Twenty20 international 100 for New Zealand to help the hosts to a 72-run win against the West Indies on Sunday and an impregnable 2-0 lead in the three-game series.
The middle-order hitter hit eight 6s and 10s on his 108-of-51 balls as the hosts, who won the starting T20 by five wickets, posted 238 for three in their 20 overs after hitting first at Mount Maunganui.
The West Indies continued to lose land at regular intervals in pursuit and could only reach 166 times nine. Colin Munro had needed 47 balls to reach his century against the West Indies on the same field in 2018 for New Zealand’s fastest hundred in the game’s shortest format, but Phillips beat the mark by receiving one less delivery per ton.
None of the West Indies bowlers were able to make an impact, with fast pitcher Keemo Paul returning the worst figures among them, conceding 64 of his four overs. The 23-year-old Phillips added 184 for the third wicket with Devon Conway, who was undefeated 65 in 37 deliveries.
“It was absolutely brilliant,” Phillips told the host during the inning break. “Dev is an absolutely amazing player to play and he keeps you calm under pressure. Being part of such a great association is just amazing. It was fun.”
The third and final T20 will be played at the same venue on Monday before the teams play a two-round series starting Thursday in Hamilton.
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