Superhero at play: Phillips takes a screamer to dismiss Rizwan - WATCH VIDEO

New Zealand knows that firing on all fronts is essential when playing in an ICC Champions Trophy opener. Aware of this, the Kiwis are executing their plans seamlessly, picking up right where they left off against Pakistan. Playing at home, Pakistan has been pushed to the back foot as New Zealand asserts clear dominance in the first group-stage match of the marquee event. Having conceded a few too many runs in the first innings, Pakistan would have fancied their chances of a successful chase, especially given their recent performance against South Africa, where they pulled off a 352-run chase. However, finding a breather against the top-class and in-form White Ferns is a rarity, a fact Glenn Phillips reinforced during the chase.

Glenn Phillips stuns with a gravity-defying catch in the Pakistan vs New Zealand fixture

New Zealand has performed phenomenally in what feels like a replay of their final against Pakistan in the ODI tri-national series. However, it seems Pakistan isn’t just battling the Kiwis, as they desperately but helplessly search for a favorable start to their title defense in the ICC Champions Trophy. Their in-form opener, Fakhar Zaman, took a blow to his leg while fielding in the opening innings, with the injury forcing him down the order when it was time to chase the mammoth target of 320. Still bracing for a fight, Pakistan was left shattered when their skipper departed to what seemed like an impossible catch to complete.

However, it is at these impossible moments when Glenn Phillips, the fielder shows up. One of the rare cricketeres who can do it all, from batting to bowling to wicket-keeping, it is the prolific fielder in Phillips that amazes the most. This time, fielding at backward point, Glenn Phillips showcased his incredible reflexes to pull off a stunning catch off Mohammad Rizwan’s bat. The Pakistan captain attempted a cut shot off Will O’Rourke, directing the ball behind square, but Phillips reacted in a flash. Launching himself to his left, he extended a single hand behind him, tracking the ball mid-air. As it struck his palm, he held on tightly, ensuring it remained in his grasp even as he crashed onto the turf.

THAT IS OUT OF THIS WORLD 😲

Glenn Phillips with an absolute Stunner to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan UNBELIEVABLE pic.twitter.com/9av4IThlag

— Sports Production (@SSpotlight71) February 19, 2025

Getting back on his feet, Phillips stood momentarily in disbelief at what he had just pulled off, while his New Zealand teammates, including O’Rourke, were visibly awestruck. Rizwan, meanwhile, had no choice but to trudge back to the dressing room, dismissed for a painstaking 3 off 14 balls in Pakistan’s chase of 321. What seemed possible at the start of the chase, it now seems like an insurmountable task for the hosts to win the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand.