'The Time Is Now': How Phillips turned a John Cena moment into India's nightmare

Glenn Phillips took the attack to the Indian bowlers and smashed a breathtaking 107 off just 49 balls. (Image credit: Agencies)

NEW DELHI: The John Cena theme song playing in the background, Glenn Phillips walking out to the middle and then unleashing a stunning assault on India's bowlers. Eden Park witnessed a spectacle when the New Zealand batter arrived at the crease during the fourth T20I in Auckland on Friday.Phillips walked out to bat after Daryl Mitchell was dismissed off the fifth ball of the third over, bowled by Mayank Yadav. He first exchanged a fist bump with opening batter Finn Allen. As he began walking towards the crease, the DJ played The Time Is Now, John Cena's famous entrance theme.

What followed was absolute mayhem.Phillips took the attack to the Indian bowlers and smashed a breathtaking 107 off just 49 balls. His innings included six fours and 10 sixes as New Zealand posted a massive 259/7.

Phillips and Bracewell take India apart

Phillips found an equally destructive partner in Michael Bracewell, who scored 65 off just 25 balls. The two batters added 115 runs off only 41 deliveries, taking New Zealand past the 200-run mark in the 16th over.Phillips brought up his third T20I century, reaching the landmark in just 46 balls. His power-hitting left the Indian bowlers struggling for answers.New Zealand finished with 259/7, their highest T20I total against India.

They then bowled out the visitors' challenge, restricting India to 172/9 to secure an 87-run win.India had already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, but Phillips' innings helped New Zealand pull one back.

IPL lessons help Phillips find consistency

Phillips credited his time in the Indian Premier League for helping him improve his game. He is the leading run-scorer in the ongoing series, with 276 runs from four matches at an average of 92.

His tally includes one century and two half-centuries.The 29-year-old did not have a memorable IPL 2026 season with Gujarat Titans. He played only six matches and scored 67 runs, with 25 being his highest score.However, Phillips said the experience gave him valuable lessons and opportunities to work on his batting.“The IPL is a certain beast of its own and the balance of teams being one of eight overseas (players) with only four spots (in the eleven) make it quite tough.

So, if you don't go out there and set the world on fire there's always another person waiting in line,” Phillips said in the post-match press conference.He was happy with the facilities and coaching support he received at Gujarat Titans.“At Gujarat, I was very lucky to have some unbelievable facilities, some great coaches and plenty of time to work (on his batting). I also showed in England as well being able to have volume (of runs) under the belt — whether it's red ball or white ball.

“Yes, you'd love to score runs in the IPL and you know make a load of cash and that would be fantastic but also there's a lot of learnings that you can take from that place (in the IPL) whether you're playing or not and I think that is also on each individual that is at the IPL or at any other tournament to be able to make the most out of where they go,” he added.Phillips also had a productive Crowe-Thorpe Trophy earlier this year, scoring 181 runs in four innings at an average of 60, including a century. New Zealand won that series 2-1 against England.