Matt Henry out of Champions Trophy final vs India!! Returns after bowling just 7 balls

New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry is doubtful for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against Team India at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, March 9. Henry could miss the crucial match, as visuals from New Zealand's preparation raised concerns over his availability.

Matt Henry injured his shoulder while attempting a catch during the semifinal against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium. The 33-year-old continued to bowl despite the injury. He finished with figures of 2/43 in seven overs as New Zealand secured a 50-run victory to reach the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final.

Matt Henry Ruled Out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final?

New Zealand have not yet confirmed Matt Henry’s availability for the Champions Trophy final. The team is monitoring his condition and will assess his performance in the nets before making a final decision. Henry has been the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets at an average of 16.70.

RevSportz journalist Rohit Juglan reported that Henry bowled only seven deliveries during a practice session. Juglan added that Henry seemed to struggle with his follow-through, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the final.

"Henry is bowling but not looking comfortable with the finishing especially," Rohit Juglan wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter) with a picture from New Zealand's practice session.

"Just bowled 7 balls and that's it, not in best shape while completing his action," Rohit added.

He's Obviously Pretty Sore - New Zealand Head Coach Gary Stead

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead provided an update on Matt Henry’s injury. Speaking to reporters, Stead admitted that the pacer is still experiencing soreness after landing on his shoulder during the semifinal.

"[But it's] still a little bit unknown at this stage. He's obviously pretty sore just from landing on the point of his shoulder. Hopefully, he will be okay," Stead claimed, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Jacob Duffy is the backup fast bowler available for New Zealand if Henry is unable to play in the Champions Trophy final. Duffy has not featured in any matches during the tournament but played in the tri-series against Pakistan, where he registered figures of 1/48 in seven overs.

Guess We’ll Make a Call After That - Mitchell Santner

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner stated that the final decision on Henry's availability would be made based on his condition after the training session.

“We’ll be going across the road and training after this. Matt’s going to have a bowl just to see how he is. I guess we’ll make a call after that,” Santner said in the pre-match press conference on March 8.

Henry will be crucial for New Zealand, given his ability to trouble India’s top order. The pacer has previously caused problems for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli with the new ball. He dismissed Shubman Gill early with an LBW during the group-stage clash against India and finished with a five-wicket haul.

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