Zimbabwe T20 Tri-Series 2025: Glenn Phillips ruled out with groin injury

New Zealand's star all-rounder Glenn Phillips had to unfortunately withdraw from the ongoing tour of Zimbabwe after sustaining a right groin injury. The injury occurred during the Major League Cricket (MLC) final, and upon assessment after his arrival in Zimbabwe, it was confirmed that he would require several weeks of rehabilitation, before finally being match-fit.

In his absence, 23-year-old Tim Robinson, who had initially joined the squad as cover for players involved in the MLC final, will remain with the team for the remainder of the tour, where Zimbabwe and South Africa are also taking part. Phillips' replacement in the Test squad will be announced in due course. Phillips will return home alongside Mitch Hay and Jimmy Neesham, who were also part of the temporary cover group.

“It’s obviously disappointing to lose someone of Glenn’s calibre. Much like Finn, we really feel for Glenn and that he misses out on this series. We know he was eager to get out on the field for the BLACKCAPS, and unfortunately, he won’t be able to do that for this series. We know he’ll work hard to get himself back onto the park, and I look forward to when that happens,” said head coach Rob Walter.

New Zealand is set to face Zimbabwe in a two-match Test series following the conclusion of the ongoing Zimbabwe Twenty20 Tri-Series. In the opening match of the tri-series, New Zealand secured a 21-run victory over South Africa. Robinson starred with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 75 off 57 balls, while partnering with Bevon Jacobs to help post a competitive total. In the bowling department, Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy impressed with three wickets each, sealing New Zealand's first win of the series.

“It's a great feeling contributing to a win for your country, and it's an addicting feeling and one that I hope to replicate later on. The Proteas bowling was exceptional. Their lengths and the use of the long side was really impressive and they bowled really well with the newer ball. It was hard to find momentum when we were continuing to lose wickets but as we got on and took it deeper and deeper, we could capitalise,” Robinson said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.