New Delhi: New Zealand remain “hopeful” that pace bowler Matt Henry will recover from a shoulder injury in time for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against India on Sunday, coach Gary Stead has revealed. Henry sustained the injury while taking a catch during the semi-final win over South Africa on Wednesday.
Henry has been instrumental in New Zealand’s success in the 50-over tournament, delivering match-winning performances, including an impressive 5-42 against India in the group stage. His fitness remains a major concern ahead of the title clash in Dubai.
“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 on Friday. “So still a little bit unknown at this stage. He’s obviously pretty sore just from landing on the point of his shoulder. Hopeful he will be okay.”
Injury Setback During Semi-Final
Henry suffered the injury while taking a catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen in South Africa’s chase of 363 in Lahore. He landed awkwardly and had to leave the field temporarily but showed resilience by returning to bowl two more overs, completing a seven-over spell.
“I guess the positive thing from our perspective is he got back out there to bowl,” Stead added.
New Zealand’s Pace Attack Relies on Henry
With experienced pacers Trent Boult and Tim Southee retired, New Zealand has depended on their relatively inexperienced pace attack for early breakthroughs. Henry, with 91 ODIs under his belt, has played a crucial role, while fellow pacers Will O’Rourke and Kyle Jamieson have a combined 29 ODI matches between them.
“We’re possibly one of the most inexperienced groups that are here,” Stead admitted. “And Will O’Rourke, Kyle Jamieson, for example, they haven’t played a lot of one-day cricket or ICC tournament cricket either. So for them to keep standing up on this stage is very good, especially after the loss of a Southee, a Boult.”
A Historic Opportunity for New Zealand
New Zealand’s men’s team won their only white-ball global title in 2000 when they defeated India to lift the Champions Trophy. More recently, the New Zealand women’s team triumphed in the T20 World Cup in Dubai last year.
“I think if New Zealand can get up and win this, it’d be a real credit to the players and what they’ve done,” Stead said. “They’re a tight-knit bunch. We enjoy each other’s company, and I’m sure it’ll be a real coup for New Zealand, especially here in Dubai after the women won the T20 World Cup here as well.”
India’s Spin Threat Looms Large
New Zealand are particularly wary of India’s spin attack, which dismantled them for 205 in their group-stage chase of 250 in Dubai.
Varun Chakravarthy, making his tournament debut, led India’s four-pronged spin attack, returning match-winning figures of 5-42. As a mystery spinner with multiple variations, Chakravarthy is expected to pose a serious threat on the slow Dubai pitch, where run-scoring has been difficult.
“I mean, they are very, very good spinners, all of them in their own right,” Stead said. “So for us, it’s just about being nice and clear on our plans and working out the best approach. Who knows? They might have off days as well, and that could be to our advantage.”
Final Countdown Begins
With the final just around the corner, all eyes will be on Matt Henry’s fitness and New Zealand’s strategy against India’s potent bowling attack. A historic triumph is within reach, but they will have to overcome significant hurdles to lift their second-ever Champions Trophy.
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