Will Matt Henry play the Champions Trophy final against India?

Matt Henry's availability for New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final against India remains in doubt, owing to an injury that he suffered.

Will Matt Henry play the Champions Trophy final against India?

Matt Henry suffered an injury against South Africa, and could be unavailable for New Zealand in the CT final. (via ESPN)

New Zealand international Matt Henry‘s availability for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final remains in doubt, owing to injury issues. The fast bowler picked up a shoulder injury during the team’s semi-final victory over South Africa.

The Kiwis made their way into the final of the Champions Trophy, and will face India in a much-awaited clash at the Dubai International Stadium. New Zealand defeated South Africa in a thrilling semi-final encounter in Lahore, where they posted a mammoth first-innings total of 362 runs. Both Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson scored centuries, while skipper Mitchell Santner scalped three wickets.

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However, New Zealand have been left worried following the semi-final encounter, as Matt Henry could remain out for the penultimate encounter. The 33-year-old has been the Kiwis’ best bowler so far, claiming ten wickets in just four matches. He tops the tournament’s list of highest-wicket takers, having bowled at an average of 16.70. Most importantly, Henry took a five-wicket haul against India, in the group-stages.

Matt Henry injured his shoulder against South Africa, while attempting to take the catch of Heinrich Klaasen. He had to be taken off the pitch, but returned to bowl two overs later. Henry ended the match with two wickets. While captain Mitchell Santner expressed optimism over the 33-year-old’s availability, coach Gary Stead admitted that Henry’s condition remains ‘unknown’, just 48 hours ahead of 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, but still a little bit unknown at this stage.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead on Matt Henry’s injury (H/T ESPN)

Should he fail to make it to the side, it would be a huge blow to the Kiwis. Matt Henry would be replaced by young fast-bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith or 30-year-old veteran pacer Jacob Duffy. Duffy was brought in as a replacement for injured Ben Sears.

Matt Henry steps up: Can he fill Trent Boult and Tim Southee’s shoes?

New Zealand pacer Matt Henry has quietly emerged from the shadows of legends Tim Southee and Trent Boult, following the duo’s retirement last year. The 33-year-old seamer has tried to replace the two players, but his talents have gone underappreciated.

Matt Henry Tim Southee Trent Boult
Matt Henry has emerged as New Zealand top-pacer, following Tim Southee and Trent Boult’s retirement. (via ESPN)

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is the first once since 2021, that New Zealand have played without Boult or Southee. Matt Henry now leads the Kiwis pace attack, having scalped ten wickets in the tournament. Known for his new ball swinging abilities, Henry is the joint-highest wicket-taker in the last ten overs in ODI cricket since 2023, alongside Pakistani youngster Shaheen Afridi.

Moreover, the 33-year-old veteran has also been the highest wicket-taker across all formats since 2023. Henry boasts 136 wickets in just 66 innings. A death-overs specialist, Henry has also impressed with his performances in T20 leagues around the world.