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Glenn Phillips tuned up for the BLACKCAPS T20 series against Pakistan by belting 48 from 36 balls against the UAE in a warm-up match in Abu Dhabi.
The 21-year-old, who was called into the T20 squad to replace injured opener Martin Guptill, struck five fours and two sixes in a timely knock.
Phillips combined for a 48-run second-wicket partnership with Auckland Aces teammate Mark Chapman, who looked comfortable in his 36 off 25 balls before being retired.
Late cameos from Tim Seifert (29* off 18) and Ross Taylor (19*) helped the visitors post 161-4.
The BLACKCAPS bowlers then backed up the batsmen by restricting the UAE to 124-8 from their 20 overs.
Ish Sodhi was the star with the ball, picking up a wicket with his first delivery before finishing with 2-11 from three overs.
Tim Southee also bagged a brace, while captain Kane Williamson made a welcome appearance at the bowling crease, taking a wicket and conceding just four runs from his two overs.
The BLACKCAPS open their T20 International series against the number one T20 ranked Pakistan, in Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning (5am NZT) live on SKY Sport.