March 7, 2025: Matt Henry’s availability for the Champions Trophy final is in doubt after he sustained a shoulder injury during New Zealand’s semi-final match against South Africa in Lahore. The tournament’s leading wicket-taker hurt his shoulder while taking a catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen. Despite the injury, Henry returned to bowl two more overs and was even seen diving in the field later in the match, showing his determination to continue.
Following the semi-final, New Zealand’s head coach, Gary Stead, admitted that Henry’s fitness remained uncertain, just over 48 hours before the final. However, Mitchell Santner had earlier expressed hope that Henry would be fit to play. Stead mentioned that scans had been conducted on Henry’s shoulder and they were giving him every chance to be available for the final. “We’ve had some scans and stuff done on him, and we’re going to give him every chance to be playing in this match,” Stead said, though he acknowledged that it was still unclear whether Henry would recover in time.
Henry’s performance in the Champions Trophy has been pivotal for New Zealand. He has taken 10 wickets in the tournament at an average of 16.70, including a memorable five-wicket haul against India in the group stages in Dubai. This performance helped Henry surpass the legendary Richard Hadlee, becoming New Zealand’s eighth-highest wicket-taker in ODIs with 159 wickets.
Stead also provided insight into Henry’s condition, explaining, “He’s obviously pretty sore just from landing on the point of his shoulder. Hopefully, he will be okay.” If Henry is unable to play in the final, New Zealand has Jacob Duffy as a potential replacement. Duffy has not featured in the tournament yet, but he played in the pre-tournament tri-series against Pakistan, where he took 1/48 in seven overs.
New Zealand will be hoping that Henry’s injury does not affect their chances in the upcoming final, where they face off against India, the same team Henry dismantled with his five-wicket haul earlier in the tournament.