With its well-balanced bowling attack, New Zealand also was a key factor in its dominant run to the 2025 Champions Trophy final. But as they look to trip up India in the title decider on Sunday, their pace spearhead Matt Henry is uncertain of his participation due to concerns over his availability.
Henry was injured in taking an important catch of Heinrich Klaasen when New Zealand won their semi-final against South Africa in Lahore. Gary Stead, head coach, said: “I am pleased to report that he was able to get on the field and bowl. We have scanned and assessed and will give him every opportunity to play. However, his availability remains uncertain.”
New Zealand could also lose a significant blow to India, which it has beaten many times previously, if Henry fails to join the side. In this tournament, Henry stood out for a sensational spell of 5/42 when an Indian won that group stage by 44 runs against Henry. Key Indian players such as Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Hardik Pandya were being his victims. Just two runs for Gill, who had been blazing hot before the match and Kohli, after making a century in the last game, also went for the cheapest of scores to Henry.
Replacing Henry was once thought of as a new-ball specialist but the bowler has since adapted to be a deadly threat at any stage of the innings. He is the joint highest wicket taker in the last 10 overs of ODIs along with Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has 25 wickets from 20 innings at an economy rate of 6.79, says a cricket agency. He has the best bowling average of 12.36 in the last 200 balls bowled (no less than 200 balls since 2023) in death overs.
Henry has since 2023 been the highest wicket taker across formats with 136 wickets from 66 innings.
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