Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed criticism of Glenn Phillips' attempted diving catch during the third T20I between India and New Zealand in Wellington. Phillips' effort to stop an aerial shot from Abhishek Sharma drew criticism from commentator Simon Doull, with Harbhajan later reposting a social media post questioning the need for the attempt.

The incident occurred at the 9.5-over mark at Hnry Stadium in Wellington, as India chased New Zealand's target of 199. Although Phillips made an acrobatic dive, Abhishek's shot cleared him and raced to the boundary.

Harbhajan Singh and Simon Doull Question Glenn Phillips' Fielding Approach

The incident took place when Kyle Jamieson bowled to Abhishek Sharma, who struck the ball in the air towards the mid-wicket region. Glenn Phillips ran in from the field and launched himself to his left in an attempt to intercept the shot, but the ball cleared his reach and landed inside the boundary.

While Glenn Phillips is known for his athletic fielding, Simon Doull questioned whether such an elaborate attempt was necessary given the ball's trajectory and the fielder's position.

“You don't need to do it. He's so far in from the boundary, he could have run around the boundary edge. And it's only at head height when he touches his hand. It's only, he didn't need to do that,” Simon Doull said on air.

Harbhajan Singh subsequently reposted a post on X that criticised Glenn Phillips' approach, echoing the view that the dive was unnecessary.

“Glenn phillips is very performative fielder, there was literally no need to do that even commentators thought it was unnecessary,” the post read.

Glenn phillips is very performative fielder, there was literally no need to do that even commentators thought it was unnecessary. https://t.co/Yp7dt0KIna

— Smithian49 (@Markie49SS) October 27, 2026

Abhishek Sharma Storm Hits 'Windy' Wellington

India's victory was built around another explosive innings from Abhishek Sharma, who scored 113 off just 38 balls. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also made a quick 45 off 19 deliveries as the opening pair added 133 runs in 43 balls, putting India firmly in control of the chase. India reached 199/4 in only 13.2 overs, winning by six wickets with 40 balls to spare.

India's chase was the second-most balls remaining in a successful pursuit of 190 or more, behind Estonia's chase of 192 against Cyprus in Episkopi in 2024, which finished with 42 balls remaining.

India also surpassed their previous record for a successful chase against a full-member team, set against New Zealand in Raipur earlier in 2026. India had chased 209 in that match with 28 balls remaining.

Mitchell Santner Gives Honest Verdict on Defeat to India in 3rd T20I

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner admitted that stopping India's batters was difficult once they found their rhythm. He also felt his side had built a competitive total, despite losing control during the closing overs of their innings.

“Pretty tough to stop those guys when they're going. We have seen it before, we have seen it in the IPL. Obviously, witnessed it here in New Zealand tonight,” Santner said.

The New Zealand captain pointed to Daryl Mitchell and Bevon Jacobs' partnership as a key part of the hosts' innings, adding that the team had been on course for a total of around 200.

“I think the way that Daryl and BJ kind of got that partnership together, we tracked for 200 there, and obviously 200 is nice. It's a good score on a pitch like that,” he said.

Santner also credited India's bowlers for executing their plans at the death, particularly with their yorkers, and acknowledged how difficult the conditions became once dew arrived.

“The powerplay is such a massive part of this game, and they showed, I guess, how to bat in the powerplay,” he added.