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New Zealand have dealt a massive blow right ahead of their Champions Trophy final clash against India. New Zealand stormed into the Champions Trophy final after beating South Africa by 50 runs in the high-scoring semifinal in Lahore on March 5. They will now lock horns with the undefeated India in the Champions Trophy final on March 9 at the Dubai International stadium.
Matt Henry gives New Zealand massive injury scare ahead of Champions Trophy final vs India
But Matt Henry has given New Zealand a massive injury scare right before the title clash. New Zealand's pace spearhead Matt Henry suffered a nasty shoulder injury during the Champions Trophy semifinal clash against South Africa. He sustained a shoulder injury while taking a crucial catch during the match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Henry had been a pivotal figure in New Zealand's bowling attack throughout the tournament, stepping up in the absence of several other key bowlers. He had been leading the pace attack effectively.
His contributions had been consistently valuable, beginning with two wickets in the tournament opener against Pakistan and continuing with a further wicket in the subsequent match against Bangladesh.
Matt Henry's standout performance in the tournament came during the high-stakes match against India, where he delivered a career-best bowling display of 5/42. He carried this form into the Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa, securing an early breakthrough by dismissing Ryan Rickelton.
However, his participation was cut short by an unfortunate injury in the 29th over. While attempting to catch Heinrich Klaasen, Henry appeared to injure his shoulder. Mitchell Santner bowled a length delivery, and Klaasen's attempted pull shot resulted in a mishit that flew towards long-on. Henry sprinted forward, executed a sliding catch, and despite successfully completing the dismissal, landed heavily on his right shoulder.
Henry was seen in utter discomfort and pain following the incident and was soon attended by a team physio and was subsequently forced to leave the field due to the injury.
Mitchell Santner lauded his bowlers for making life hard for the Proteas batters and dropped an update on pacer Matt Henry, who hurt his shoulder while fielding but later returned to bowl.
Meanwhile, in the post-match presentation, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner gave an update on Henry's injury.
"We took wickets in the middle overs and made it tough for the opposition. What we speak as a group is to apply pressure and take wickets in the middle. Michael Bracewell bowled really well in the last game to take a 4-fer," Mitchell Santner said.
'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 in the post-match presentation after New Zealand's 50-run win over South Africa.
Talking about the match, New Zealand's batting prowess was on full display in the Champions Trophy semi-final, as they posted a record-breaking total of 362/6 after electing to bat first riding on brilliant centuries from Rachin Ravindra (108) and Kane Williamson (102). Daryl Mitchell (49) and Glenn Phillips (49 not out) also chipped in with crucial contributions to help New Zealand post an imposing total.
In response, New Zealand's bowling attack maintained consistent pressure, taking wickets at regular intervals. They effectively restricted South Africa to 312/9, despite David Miller's fighting century, securing a 50-run win and confirming their place in the final against India.
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