'David vs Goliath': Glenn Phillips on NZ-India T20 WC final
What's the story
New Zealand's all-rounder Glenn Phillips has said that his team is used to being the 'David' against cricketing giants like India. Ahead of the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup final at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, Phillips stressed that they will give their best for their country. He also expressed excitement over playing in front of a packed crowd, whether they support New Zealand or India.
Game plan
We're always David, says Phillips
"We're never usually given a chance to even be in the semi-finals and we're always there, so we're always David," Phillips told reporters ahead of their practice session on Friday. With massive crowd set to flock the Narendra Modi Stadium, Phillips indicated India will feel the pressure. "I guess that (playing against a massive home crowd) means only one team can fail, doesn't it?," he said. "For us, we just go out there and enjoy it. We have a great time as a group of guys."
Information
'Obviously, a packed crowd is fantastic'
Phillips also said a packed crowd is fantastic for the game. "We go out there and do our best for our country. Obviously, a packed crowd is fantastic. We play to entertain the people and whether they're supporting us or supporting India, it's fantastic for cricket in general."
Duo
India and New Zealand eye the big prize on Sunday
With this 7-run victory over England in the semis, India became the 1st side to reach 4 ICC T20 World Cup finals. They have won two titles to date and are one-time runners-up. India are aiming to become the 1st team to win three T20 World Cup trophies. Meanwhile, the Kiwis are set to feature in their 2nd T20 World Cup final. They reached the 2021 T20 World Cup final before this and was beaten by Australia.