New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker Matt Henry is uncertain to feature in the ICC Champions Trophy final against India due to a shoulder injury. Henry suffered the injury during New Zealand’s semi-final victory over South Africa in Lahore when he took a catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen. Although Henry returned to bowl two overs and continued fielding, his fitness remains a major concern ahead of Sunday’s crucial final in Dubai.
Head coach Gary Stead provided an update on Henry’s situation, revealing that scans have been conducted, but clarity on his availability is yet to emerge. Stead confirmed the injury was significant enough to raise concerns, stating that Henry was “pretty sore” after landing heavily on his shoulder. However, he expressed cautious optimism since Henry was able to return to bowl after sustaining the injury.
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Captain Mitchell Santner had earlier sounded hopeful about Henry’s chances of playing in the final. Still, with less than two days to go, the New Zealand management remains cautious, preferring to give Henry every possible chance to recover in time for the big clash.
Henry has been outstanding throughout this tournament, leading the wicket charts with ten wickets at an impressive average of 16.70. Notably, five of those wickets came against India during their group-stage encounter at the same venue in Dubai, where Henry delivered a brilliant spell of 5/42. This performance also saw him surpass legendary Richard Hadlee’s ODI wicket tally, moving to eighth place among New Zealand’s all-time ODI wicket-takers.
In the semi-final against South Africa, Henry contributed significantly by claiming 2/43, further underlining his crucial role in the team’s bowling attack.
If Henry fails to recover fully in time, New Zealand have prepared backup seamer Jacob Duffy to step in. Duffy has not played any match during the Champions Trophy but participated in the pre-tournament tri-series against Pakistan, where he recorded figures of 1/48 from his seven overs.
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