Matt Henry To Miss Champions Trophy 2025 Final? Huge Update Provided On His Fitness

New Zealand pacer Matt Henry might be in danger of missing the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against India, which will be played in Dubai on March 9, Sunday. The New Zealand team dealt the South Africa Team a crushing setback in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

During a pivotal catch at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, March 5, the star 33-year-old right-arm bowler Matt Henry appeared to have a shoulder injury. Once again, Matt Henry got off to a strong start, taking Ryan Rickelton out to give his team the first breakthrough.

A regrettable occurrence occurred in the 29th over of the innings when Matt Henry sustained a shoulder injury while attempting to catch Heinrich Klaasen.

Matt Henry hurts his shoulder in the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy

Mitchell Santner bowled Klaasen a length delivery on the fourth ball of the over. Klaasen attempted his preferred pull stroke but failed to make a strong contact.

Henry came in rushing, slid forward, and made the catch even though he took a hard hit to his right shoulder as the ball flew off the bottom of the bat towards the long-on.

Henry looked in quite uncomfortable after taking the catch and he was in pain. Soon, the physio came to attend him and the pacer walked off the field injured.

Huge update on whether Matt Henry will miss the ICC Champions Trophy final

Henry, who has taken the most wickets in the tournament thus far, returned to bowl two overs late in the match against South Africa after suffering a shoulder injury during the catch that dismissed Heinrich Klaasen. After he returned, he was also spotted diving in the field.

Following Wednesday's game, Mitchell Santner expressed optimism about Henry's availability. However, head coach Gary Stead said Henry's fitness state was "unknown" just over 48 hours before the final.

"I guess the positive thing from our perspective is he got back out there to bowl. 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. [But it's] still a little bit unknown at this stage,” Stead was quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Henry has been New Zealand's best in CT 2025

At this Champions Trophy, Henry has taken ten wickets at an average of 16.70. Five of those wickets came against their opponents, India, in the group encounter in Dubai, where the final would be held.

"He's obviously pretty sore just from landing on the point of his shoulder. Hopefully, he will be okay,” Stead added.

Jacob Duffy, a right-arm seamer, is part of New Zealand's roster in case Henry is unable to play. Although he did play against Pakistan in the pre-tournament tri-series that was played there, Duffy has not participated in any of New Zealand's four tournament games.

Also Read: Pakistan Gets Another ICC Tournament Hosting Rights After Champions Trophy 2025