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New Zealand waited till the 11th hour in hope of Matt Henry regaining fitness for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against India. But, New Zealand's worst fears came true as Henry failed the fitness Test before the final on March 9 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Henry bowled during the warm-ups but experienced discomfort. As a result, he was not given the green light to play. Disheartened by the news, Henry struggled to hold back tears as he went back to the dressing room.
Henry was consoled by the coaching staff including head coach Gary Stead. New Zealand had to make one forced change to their playing XI by bringing in an inexperienced Nathan Smith.
Henry hurt his shoulder while taking the catch of South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen in the semifinal clash at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. He seemed to have hurt his back in the process as well.
Henry's impact in Champions Trophy 2025
Henry is the leading wicket-taker of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He has 10 wickets from four games including a five-wicket haul that went in vain in the clash against India on March 2's group stage clash at the same venue. He was lethal with the new ball, getting the wickets of Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill. With the old ball, he got the wickets of Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami. From 11 ODIs, he has 21 wickets from 11 ODIs at an average of 21.
Who is Henry's replacement?
26-year-old Smith has played seven ODIs and scalped as many wickets at an average of 41.71. In the Champions Trophy 2025 opener, he bowled just two overs, conceded 20 runs and got the wicket of Agha Salman. In the tri-series final, he got the wicket of Babar Azam.
In List A format, he has 65 wickets from 56 games at an average of 32.49. He does not have a four-fer or fifer in the 50-over format. However, he is handy with the bat down the order. So far, he has scored three List A half-centuries.
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