Matt Henry Champions Trophy final 2025: New Zealand stormed into their first Champions Trophy final since 2009 after a dominant 50-run victory over South Africa in a high-scoring contest at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday. While the BlackCaps delivered an all-round performance, their triumph was marred by a major injury concern ahead of the final against India on Sunday. Star pacer Matt Henry suffered a shoulder injury during the game, raising doubts over his availability for the summit clash in Dubai.
Henry’s Injury a Major Concern for Kiwis
Henry sustained the injury in the 29th over of South Africa’s chase while taking a low catch of Heinrich Klaasen at long-on. The 33-year-old landed awkwardly, jamming his right shoulder into the ground and was visibly in pain. He left the field for medical attention but later returned to bowl two more overs, picking up the crucial wicket of Kagiso Rabada to finish with figures of 2/43 in seven overs.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, captain Mitchell Santner confirmed that Henry was nursing a sore shoulder, and the team would assess his condition over the next few days.
“Have to wait and see how Matt Henry’s shoulder is. It’s a bit sore, we have to wait for a couple of days and see,” Santner said.
With just a three-day break before the final, New Zealand will be anxiously monitoring his recovery.
Tournament’s Leading Wicket-Taker in Doubt
Henry has been a standout performer in the tournament, leading the wicket charts with 10 scalps in four matches. His potential absence could be a huge setback for the Kiwis, given his impact in the league-stage clash against India last Sunday in Dubai.
The Kiwi pacer was the key architect in restricting India to 249/9, registering the first five-wicket haul of the tournament. He dismissed top Indian batters including Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami, proving to be a major threat with the ball. However, a five-wicket haul from India’s Varun Chakaravarthy ensured a 44-run victory for the Men in Blue.
Can New Zealand Overcome the Setback?
With a title clash against a formidable Indian side looming, Henry’s fitness remains a critical concern for New Zealand. The BlackCaps will hope for a quick recovery, but if he is ruled out, the team management will have a tough decision to make regarding his replacement.
As the countdown to the final begins, all eyes will be on New Zealand’s camp for updates on their pace spearhead’s condition.