Fresh from clinching a series-winning victory in Pakistan despite illness, Blackcaps batter Glenn Phillips is on the mend, before a short turnaround for the upcoming series against India.
Phillips was forced from the field with sickness in New Zealand's one-day series decider against Pakistan at Karachi, only to reappear when his side needed him most.
Forced to bat at No.7, Phillips came to the crease at 181/5, with the Blackcaps still 100 runs away from victory, and struck a 42-ball 63 not out to get them home with more than an over to spare in a two-wicket victory.
However, the nature of New Zealand's tour has given Phillips, 26, little time to recover, as they quickly move on to their next assignment.
On Wednesday, they begin their next assignment, with three ODIs and three Twenty20s against India in the space of 14 days, before returning home for a two-test series against England.
After playing through illness to get the Blackcaps over the line against Pakistan, Phillips insists he's recovered in time for the India series-opener.
"I'm doing good," said Phillips. "It's been a rough couple of days, with a late night flight, but I've had some good sleep and I'm feeling much better at the moment."
Phillips also credited the freedom afforded to him by his illness, which allowed him to throw caution to the wind in his unbeaten knock.
The right-hander struck four boundaries and four sixes in his innings, with running between the wickets - normally a staple of his game - limited under the circumstances.
"At the end of the day, it was going to go one way or the other. For me, when I'm playing positive and trying to have good intent with strong positive options, that's when I'm at my best.
"Sometimes, when you're sick and go out there with nothing to lose, you almost play a little bit better as well. That freedom to go out there and do what I do best was very handy."
Phillips' hand also saw the Blackcaps tick off a rare series victory away from home, their first in Asia since 2008 and first in Pakistan since 1976.
With a World Cup scheduled for India later this year, winning on the subcontinent - regardless of opposition - will prove invaluable for New Zealand further down the track.
"Wins away from home are incredible, wherever they are, but especially in Pakistan, playing them in their home conditions.
"It's nice to go out there, play four spinners, and for our batters to go out there and take the bowlers on the way they did.
"For us to come away with a series win in Pakistan is absolutely incredible for us."
