New Zealand pacer Matt Henry is doubtful for the ICC Champions Trophy final clash against India on Sunday in Dubai. The Kiwi pacer picked up a shoulder injury in the semi-final against South Africa in Lahore.
Henry who is the highest wicket-taker in the tournament so far injured his shoulder while trying to take the catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen, but returned to bowl two overs late in the match against South Africa. He was later seen also fielding properly in the game.
The Kiwis beat New Zealand by 50 runs in the second semi-final in Lahore to qualify for the final. New Zealand lost to India in the group stage in Dubai and should be better prepared to face India in the final.
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading...
Matt Henry Has Picked Up 10 Wickets So Far In CT2025
However, the injury to Matt Henry comes at the wrong time for the Kiwis. He picked a fifer in the league game against India. He has always been the biggest threat for Indian batters whenever the two team plays. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead remained optimistic about Henry while saying that the status on his availability for the final was unknown.
"I guess the positive thing from our perspective is he got back out there to bowl,". 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 it's] still a little bit unknown at this stage" Stead said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading...
Jacob Duffy To Replace Matt Henry If He Misses Out
Henry has picked up Henry has ten wickets at an average of 16.70 at this Champions Trophy. Five of those wickets came in the group-stage match against the Men in Blue. The pacer has been able to create doubts in the mind of the Indian top-order batters who have found him tough to negate given the movement and swing he gets with the new-ball.
"He's obviously pretty sore just from landing on the point of his shoulder," Stead said. "Hopefully he will be okay" added Gary Stead further.
In case Matt Henry misses out, Jacob Duffy, the tall right-arm pacer might replace him in the XI. He last played in the Pakistan ODI TRi-Series heading into the ICC Champions Trophy.
