New Zealand’s preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final have hit a hurdle, with key pacer Matt Henry facing uncertainty due to a shoulder injury sustained during the semi-final against South Africa in Lahore. The pacer injured his shoulder while taking a crucial catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen. Though he managed to return and bowl two overs later in the match, even putting in a dive in the field, his availability for the final remains in doubt with just a day left.
New Zealand’s head coach, Gary Stead, has acknowledged that the fast bowler’s fitness remains a concern, with just hours left before the title clash against India in Dubai. “We’re giving him every chance to recover and be ready for the match,” Stead said. “The good thing is he was able to come back and bowl, but his status is still uncertain at this stage.”
Earlier, his captain, Mitchell Santner, had expressed optimism about Matt Henry’s participation in the Champions Trophy final, but with the latest updates from the team camp, a final call on his inclusion is yet to be made.
Matt Henry has been instrumental in New Zealand’s bid for their second Champions Trophy crown. The Kiwi leads the wicket-takers in this year’s tournament, claiming 10 wickets at an average of 16.70. His best performance came in the group stage against India in Dubai—where the final will also be played—picking up five wickets in that crucial contest.
If Matt Henry is ruled out of the Champions Trophy final, New Zealand have right-arm pacer Jacob Duffy as a backup option. However, Duffy has not featured in any of New Zealand’s matches in the tournament so far. His only recent outing was in a pre-tournament tri-series against Pakistan, where he returned figures of 1 for 48 in seven overs.
The Black Caps, who are already without their ace pacer Lockie Ferguson, struggled during Henry’s absence from the field in the semi-final, with David Miller taking Will O’Rourke and Kyle Jamieson to the cleaners.
As New Zealand aim for their second Champions Trophy title, the team management will be hoping for positive news on Matt Henry’s recovery as they look to take down India.