The comprehensive balance within New Zealand's bowling unit has played a crucial role in their impressive journey to the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, this equilibrium may be disrupted as the title match approaches. New Zealand is set to face India in the final on Sunday, and there are uncertainties regarding the fitness of their leading fast bowler, Matt Henry.

Henry sustained an injury while executing a critical catch of Heinrich Klaasen during New Zealand's semi-final against South Africa in Lahore. New Zealand's head coach, Gary Stead, remarked, "The positive aspect from our viewpoint is that he managed to return to bowl." He added, "We have conducted scans and assessments on him, and we will provide him with every opportunity to participate in this match. However, his status remains somewhat uncertain at this point."

In their earlier group-stage match against India, which resulted in a 44-run defeat for New Zealand, Henry delivered an impressive performance, claiming 5 wickets for 42 runs. Among his notable dismissals were Shubman Gill, who had been in exceptional form for just two runs, as well as Virat Kohli, who had recently scored a century, along with Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya.

Historically, Henry has found considerable success against India across all formats. In the ongoing 2025 Champions Trophy, he leads the tournament in wickets taken, with a total of 10 at an average of 16.70 and an economy rate of 5.32. Stead noted, "He is certainly experiencing some discomfort from landing on the point of his shoulder. We remain hopeful that he will recover in time."

Henry's increasing threat

Henry initially gained recognition as a new-ball bowler but has since developed into a formidable threat at any stage of the game. As reported by ESPN Cricinfo, he shares the title of the highest wicket-taker in the final ten overs of ODI cricket with Shaheen Shah Afridi, having achieved 25 wickets in 20 innings at an economy rate of 6.79.

Since 2023, Henry has boasted a remarkable bowling average of 12.36 for a minimum of 200 balls bowled between the 40th and 50th overs, the best among all bowlers. Furthermore, he has led all formats in wicket-taking since 2023, accumulating 136 wickets in 66 innings. Following him are notable bowlers such as Ravindra Jadeja (125), Jasprit Bumrah (124), Afridi (124), and Mitchell Starc (117).

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