New Zealand may have been defeated in their T20 match against Pakistan - but the key talking point on social media was a hilarious description of their bowling plans by Glenn Phillips.
The Black Caps were brushed aside by Pakistan as they begin preparations for the T20 World Cup in a fortnight's time. It was an underwhelming display with both bat and ball as Pakistan romped to a six wicket victory at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
And batsman Phillips went viral on social media for discussing his bowling attack's plans to stifle Pakistan, whilst in the field being interviewed live on TV by match commentators.
When asked about his side's bowling plans in the opening stages of the Pakistan innings, Phillips revealed on the mic that the Blackcaps would look to bowl at 'c*** height' length to deny scoring opportunities.
Phillips said the Black Caps were aiming to bowl the 'c*** high length' to avoid the Pakistan batsman freeing their arms up and scoring big runs.
The unusual description of the 'back of a length' bowling plan evidently wasn't effective for New Zealand, who could not deal with the brilliance of Babar Azam. His 53-ball 79 in response to New Zealand's 147 guided Pakistan to their target effortlessly.
After losing to Pakistan, New Zealand are now underway in the T20 tri-series with a victory over Bangladesh.
The Black Caps cruised to an eight-wicket win over the Tigers, with a match-winning stand of 85 between Devon Conway (70*) and captain Kane Williamson (30) helping chase down a lowly total of 142.
Phillips, who created the viral moment on the mic in the previous game, enjoyed a late batting cameo in a much more convincing display as the T20 World Cup draws ever closer. Skipper Williamson was pleased with his side's improved display after the Pakistan defeat.
"Bangladesh played nicely in the powerplay and we knew the wicket was a challenge to bat fluently, but our bowlers were spot on to restrict them to a low total and then we had the partnerships going with the bat," Williamson said.
"It's horses for courses policy for the first few matches, we'll keep looking at our options going ahead.
Spinner Ish Sodhi became only the fifth bowler to bring up 100 wickets in T20 matches in Christchurch, an impressive feat that brought praise from Williamson.
"Ish has been amazing for us for a long period of time," he added. "He's an aggressive option who has won a lot of matches for us with his 100 wickets so far so hopefully there's plenty more to come."
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/cricket/new-zealand-cricket-pakistan-t20-28192829
