Howell hails big-hitting Phillips after victory

BENNY Howell hailed New Zealand international Glenn Phillips after the overseas star slammed 94 runs from just 41 balls as Gloucestershire won by 34 runs against Glamorgan on Thursday evening.

The Glo’sters went top of the South Group in the Vitality Blast ahead of last night’s match at Sussex

Phillips’ fifth-highest T20 score of his career, and first half-century in the Blast, provided the backbone to Gloucestershire’s impressive 216 for two – the county’s own fifth-highest total in the sprint format.

The Black Cap, right, struck nine fours and six sixes to overwhelm the Welsh visitors, who gave game chase for a while but could only reply with 182 for eight in the end.

Howell, promoted to three in the batting order in place of the injured Ian Cockbain, shared a stand of 130 with Phillips in 64 balls – a record T20 partnership for Gloucestershire’s third wicket, and the allrounder said: “Glenn hit a six on about 40 and said ‘I’m getting a hundred here’, and when he says something it usually happens. It was a shame he didn’t quite make it.

“I think Glamorgan’s total was an okay score, and the wind going towards the short side made it very difficult to contain from one end.”

Phillips arrived at the crease after Miles Hammond and Chris Dent had given the innings a lively start, making 62 for the first wicket.

The New Zealander went to fifty in 26 balls, took 14 runs from the 17th over, 23 came from the 18th, and 18 from the final six balls.

Howell, meanwhile, took his chance up at three to make an unbeaten 53 in 33 balls.

Somerset were also in action last night – after the deadline.