As the New Zealand tour of Zimbabwe for a T20 tri-series involving Zimbabwe, New Zealand, and South Africa is underway, the Blackcaps side has seen a fresh development
Post their win against South Africa in the 2nd game of the tri-series, where they defeated the Proteas by 21 runs, the Kiwis have seen a forced change to their squad. All-rounder Glenn Phillips has been ruled out of the Zimbabwe tour due to a groin injury.
Glenn Phillips injury update: Star all-rounder ruled out of Zimbabwe tour
The Blackcaps' all-rounder, who was a part of New Zealand's original squad, has now pulled out of the tri-series following a groin injury. Phillips did not travel with the side, ahead of the series, due to his prior MLC commitments with Washington Freedom.
Phillips injured his right groin during the final of the Major League Cricket and was deemed unfit on his arrival in Zimbabwe. The all-rounder was assessed, and the reports suggested that he would require a number of weeks to recover.
Tim Robinson, the batter who joined the squad as a cover, has now been drafted into the original squad, replacing Phillips.
Glenn Phillips has been withdrawn from the tri-series due to a groin injury
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 18, 2025
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New Zealand Cricket, in their injury update, stated on Friday, "Blackcaps all-rounder Glenn Phillips has withdrawn from the Zimbabwe tour after injuring his right groin. Phillips suffered the injury during the Major League Cricket Final."
Phillips had some decent outings in the Major League Cricket, where he amassed 186 runs at an average of 62, playing for the Washington Freedom. His side made it to the finals of the league, where they faced a defeat against MI New York.
Earlier this year, Phillips also missed the majority of the Indian Premier League due to a very similar groin injury that he sustained while fielding for the Gujarat Titans in their game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Phillips was also a part of New Zealand's Test squad for the two Tests against Zimbabwe, the replacement for which has not been announced yet.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will play their second game of the tri-series against Zimbabwe on Friday, July 18th. The tri-series will be followed by two Tests against Zimbabwe, which will take place from July 30th.