New Zealand’s pace spearhead Matt Henry is facing uncertainty ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against Rohit Sharma’s India due to a shoulder injury. Henry suffered the niggle after landing awkwardly on his shoulder during New Zealand’s semi-final victory over South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 5.
The 33-year-old pacer was instrumental in that match, claiming the key wickets of Ryan Rickelton and Kagiso Rabada while returning figures of 7-0-43-2. However, after experiencing discomfort, Henry was sent for scans. Head coach Gary Stead provided an update, stating that the team remains hopeful about his recovery.
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“Matt obviously landed on his shoulder and it was pretty uncomfortable. The positive thing from our perspective is that he managed to return and bowl. We’ve had scans done, and we’re giving him every chance to play in the final,” Gary Stead said in a press conference on Friday. “He’s sore, but hopefully, he will be okay.”
Matt Henry, the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing edition of the #ChampionsTrophy, could be unavailable for the final owing to the shoulder injury he picked up during the semi-final https://t.co/mQ6LAmaJHm pic.twitter.com/CVvmMO7D8L
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 7, 2025
Henry has been one of the standout performers in the tournament, leading the wicket-taking charts with 10 wickets from four matches at an impressive economy rate of 5.32. His best performance came against India in the group stage, where he dismantled their batting lineup with figures of 5 for 42. However, despite his heroics, New Zealand suffered a 44-run loss.
If Henry is ruled out, New Zealand will have to choose between Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith as his replacement for the title clash.
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The Kiwis have had a strong campaign, opening with a win over Pakistan before defeating Bangladesh and securing a semi-final berth. While their only loss came against India in the group stage, they bounced back with a commanding 50-run victory over South Africa to book their place in the final.
