ICC Champions Trophy final: Nathan Smith replaces injured Matt Henry
09 Mar 2025

In a major blow to the New Zealand cricket team, leading pacer Matt Henry has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy final against India.

The decision was taken after he suffered a shoulder injury while attempting a catch in the semi-final match against South Africa.

Nathan Smith has replaced him in the XI.

Notably, NZ won the toss and will bat first versus India in Dubai.

Injury details and Henry's contribution to the tournament
Injury impact

Henry's injury happened while dismissing Heinrich Klaasen during South Africa's chase of 363 runs in Lahore.

Despite the injury, he returned and bowled two more overs.

His performance has been instrumental for New Zealand in this year's 50-over tournament, having taken five wickets against India in a group match that New Zealand lost.

He is the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps at an average of 16.70 across four matches.

Coach's statement on Henry's fitness and team's preparations
Coaching insights

On Saturday, New Zealand's head coach Gary Stead confirmed Henry's fitness status remained "unknown" as the final approached.

"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," he said during a press conference.

NZ's playing XI against India
NZ

At the toss, NZ skipper Mitchell Santner confirmed Henry's unavailability.

"Unfortunately Matt Henry has been ruled out, we've got Nathan Smith coming in," he said.

New Zealand (Playing XI): Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke, Nathan Smith.