Glenn Phillips says New Zealand missed middle-over chances in T20I defeat

New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips said his side needed to take more wickets in the middle overs and improve its fielding after suffering a four-wicket defeat in the first T20I at Christchurch on Thursday. Phillips struck an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls to lift New Zealand to 225 for four, but India chased the target with two balls remaining.

Phillips acknowledged that while New Zealand had plans to counter India's aggressive batting, execution remained the key. He pointed to India's ability to adjust to the conditions, particularly the bounce on offer, as one of the reasons they managed to get over the line.

Naman Dhir remained unbeaten on 42 off 15 balls to complete the visitors' highest successful T20I run chase. Sanju Samson scored 67 off 33 balls and combined with Abhishek Sharma for 94 runs in the powerplay. The second match of the five-match series will be played at the same venue on Saturday.