New Zealand batter Glenn Phillips presented a stunning example of his fielding abilities on Saturday at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Phillips sent back Australia’s Marcus Stoinis to the pavilion on a Mitchell Santner delivery, with a gravity-defying catch.

During the ninth over of the second innings, Stoinis attempted to go inside out over cover with a drive. He chipped it in the air and was far from the fielder at sweeper, where the ball would have and should have landed safely.

However, Phillips came over from deep, dove for the ball, went two-handed, and latched onto the ball, making sure it didn’t pop out as he fell to the ground.

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Phillips, therefore at his acrobatic best, has registered himself as an early contender for the catch of the tournament.

Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first in this Super 12 Group 1 match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.

The current Kiwi side has never claimed victory in any format of the game on Australian land. The previous one occurred in a legendary Test in Hobart eleven years ago.

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In Sydney, a dangerous Australian squad that appears to be stronger than they did while winning their first title last year stands in New Zealand’s way. And, contrary to what one may expect, Williamson & Co. will need something really unique to defeat the Australians.

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The trans-Tasman opponents are not something the hosts should take lightly. There is no time for mistakes in this competition, especially with England competing in the same group. Australia is historically disadvantaged too because no team has ever won the T20 World Cup twice in a row or even on home soil.