Barely 15 months into his international cricket career, Tim Robinson has quickly emerged as one of New Zealand’s most exciting new talents. The 23-year-old right-handed batter, once bowled for a two-ball duck by Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi on debut, turned the narrative around this week with a match-winning knock in the ongoing T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe.
Facing South Africa’s pace attack, Robinson carved out a composed yet explosive 75 off 57 deliveries*, anchoring New Zealand’s recovery from an early collapse to a total of 173/5. He then watched as the Kiwis bowled out the Proteas for 152, securing a crucial win.
But Robinson’s story stretches beyond the cricket pitch—his roots lie in the javelin runway. A former standout in New Zealand school athletics, he won the intermediate boys’ javelin title at the 2017 Secondary School Championships, once recording a throw of 54.99 meters. His older brother Cam Robinson also competed in the senior grade, and together they famously claimed age-group titles in the same year. “We’ve always been good at throwing things—except tantrums,” Cam once joked.
From Javelin Star to Cricket Prospect
Tim Robinson had represented Wellington Amateur Athletic Club, throwing distances of 54.43m with a 700g javelin at 15, and 45.82m with the 800g version in 2021. But his athletic career was hindered by persistent back issues—common among throwers. That pivoted him toward cricket full-time.
His breakthrough came when he smashed a blazing 139 off 64 balls—including 10 sixes—against Otago Volts, catching the selectors' eye. With Finn Allen unavailable due to IPL commitments, Robinson seized the opportunity to tour Pakistan, gaining invaluable international experience.
Domestic & Global Experience
Robinson has turned out for Wellington Firebirds, Northamptonshire, and Guyana Amazon Warriors, steadily improving his T20I stats to an average of 29.77 with a strike rate of 131 across 11 innings. Despite a quiet start, he’s begun establishing himself as a vital cog in New Zealand’s rebuilding T20 setup.
Last year, he joined teammates Dean Foxcroft and Mitchell Hay for a training stint at the Super Kings Academy in Chennai, focusing on adapting to subcontinental pitches and honing his sweep shot under the guidance of Wellington coach Sriram Krishnamurthy.
A Crucial Partnership in Zimbabwe
In the recent win against South Africa, Robinson shared a game-defining 103-run partnership in 63 balls with fellow youngster Bevon Jacobs (44 off 30), after the Kiwis had lost Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay, and Jimmy Neesham cheaply.
“We were obviously struggling when we lost early wickets,” Robinson said post-match. “But the plan was simple—stay in, go deep, and the runs would come. It was about playing smart, running hard, and backing ourselves.”
He had praise for Jacobs, a South African-born batter who moved to New Zealand at age 3: “He’s a big guy who hits big. It’s fantastic batting with him. He looked comfortable and played a great knock.”
Adaptability at the Core
Tim Robinson epitomizes New Zealand’s famed adaptability. “T20 cricket is about momentum. When wickets fall, it’s small moments that shift games,” he reflected. “It’s not about milestones. It’s about contributing to a win for your country. That’s the best feeling.”
He also spoke fondly of Zimbabwe, calling it “a great country to play in” and even highlighting his love for their steaks: “They make it a little different.”
The Road Ahead
With the T20 World Cup approaching, New Zealand are trialing fresh talent amid a transitional phase following high-profile retirements. Robinson’s form, temperament under pressure, and diverse sporting background make him a strong contender to play a major role.
As SA batting coach Ashwell Prince admitted, the Robinson-Jacobs stand was decisive. “We bowled well and had plans. But their partnership gave New Zealand the cushion they needed.”
With his javelin days behind him, Tim Robinson is now spearheading New Zealand’s cricketing attack—not with throws, but with towering sixes.