Champions Trophy 2025: Update on Matt Henry's availability for final vs India
Henry had an awkward landing on his right shoulder while taking a catch during New Zealand's semi-final against South Africa.
Although New Zealand won their semi-final against South Africa by a comprehensive 50-run margin, the availability of Matt Henry proved to be a point of concern for the winners ahead of the final of the ongoing Champions Trophy. Henry experienced an awkward fall on his right shoulder while successfully managing to hold on to an opportunity at long-on. Henry did come on to bowl a couple of overs after the incident, but did not look his best self.
Their head coach, Gary Stead, provided a crucial update while addressing the media during a recent interaction on the extent of the right-arm quick's injury as well as his availability as far as the Champions Trophy 2025 final against India is concerned.
“Matt obviously landed on his shoulder and it was pretty uncomfortable. I guess the positive thing from our perspective is that he got back out there to bowl. We've had some scans done on him. We're going to give him every chance to be playing in this match, so still a little bit unknown at this stage. He's obviously pretty sore just from landing on the point of his shoulder, but yeah, hopefully he will be okay," stated Stead, as quoted by India Today.
Notably, Henry was one of the standout players from the Kiwis' 44-run loss to India. The pacer ended up with figures of 5/42 during the group-stage encounter. He is also the leading wicket-taker in the current edition so far, claiming 10 wickets in four innings at an average of 16.70.
Also Read: Is there a Reserve Day for Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand?
Duffy or Smith to fill in for Henry if unfit
The team management have the likes of Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith to replace Henry if the seasoned quick is not able to make it to optimal fitness within time. While Smith made one apperance in the curtain-raiser against Pakistan, it will be Duffy's maiden Champions Trophy 2025 game if he gets the nod ahead of his colleague.
India and New Zealand will take on each other at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 9. Both sides would understandably have their eyes all set on clinching the silverware. The previous time the two met in a final of an ICC event, the Kiwis got the better over the Indian unit in the final of the inaugural World Test Championship.
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