Otago Volts crushed Central Districts by 41 runs in the fifth match of Super Smash 2025-26 at Molyneux Park, Alexandra, where Glenn Phillips stole the show with an unbeaten 90 off 48 balls, featuring jaw-dropping left-handed shots that lit up social media.
Glenn Phillips’ left-handed magic stuns the cricketing world
New Zealand’s versatile batter Phillips turned heads by flipping to a left-handed stance mid-innings against Central Districts, smashing precise boundaries and towering sixes that caught everyone off guard.
Facing Dean Foxcroft in the 19th over, he switched seamlessly on a full delivery outside leg, drilling a stunning cover drive for four that raced away despite fielders’ disbelief. He upped the ante next over versus skipper Jayden Lennox‘s left-arm spin from around the wicket, lofting a massive six over extra cover—pure placement over power, defying his known big-hitting style. These switch-hits, honed in nets but unveiled competitively here, echoed David Warner‘s flair but stood out for control in a high-stakes T20 clash, with clips exploding online as fans marvelled at his ambidexterity.
Here’s the video:
Glenn Phillips loved it so much, he had to do it twice 😍🔥
Watch the #SuperSmash from Dec 26 – Jan 31, LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV. #SonySportsNetwork #SuperSmash pic.twitter.com/kBMsAVAfDI
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) December 30, 2025
Also READ: Super Smash 2025-26: Complete squads of all 6 teams
Otago’s dominant victory over Central District
Otago made their intent clear from the very start after choosing to bat, flying to fifty inside five overs despite losing a few wickets along the way. Llew Johnson fell early, but Jamal Todd counterattacked with a quickfire 32 that included a couple of towering sixes, while Max Chu kept the momentum going with a lively 26. The real stability, though, came from Phillips at No. 4. As wickets fell around him and the middle order struggled to build partnerships, Phillips held his nerve. Otago slipped to 129 for five after 15 overs, but Phillips never looked rushed. Once set, he shifted gears dramatically, finding the boundary with ease and clearing the ropes at will. His unbeaten 90 off just 48 balls transformed a good total into a daunting one, lifting Otago to 193 for seven, even as Ben Lockrose was run out off the final delivery.
Central Districts began their chase with promise and were well in touch during the powerplay. Will Young set the tone with a blistering 40 off 19 balls, striking the ball cleanly before getting out at a crucial moment. Dane Cleaver and Dean Foxcroft tried to rebuild, guiding the score past 100, but the chase soon lost direction as pressure mounted. Run-outs and soft dismissals followed in quick succession, and the required rate kept climbing. Luke Georgeson led from the front with the ball, picking up four key wickets and breaking the backbone of the chase, while Danru Ferns and Matthew Bacon provided solid support. Central Districts eventually limped to 152 for eight, falling well short. Phillips was deservedly named Player of the Match, and the win pushed Otago up to third place on the points table.
