New Zealand’s premier pacer Matt Henry was left heartbroken after failing to make the playing XI for the Champions Trophy 2025 final against India due to a shoulder injury. The Kiwis conducted a fitness test before the toss, but Henry couldn’t pass it, forcing the team management to exclude him from the summit clash.
Despite trying out some drills and rolling his arm over in the warm-ups, Henry still did not feel right. The 33-year-old, who is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 10 wickets from four matches, injured himself when he tried a catch in the semi-final. His exclusion left him heartbroken, and he was spotted in tears on the sidelines.
BREAKING: Matt Henry is OUT of the ICC Champions Trophy final with a shoulder injury 🚨 pic.twitter.com/qmBvTmVsiD
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) March 9, 2025
New Zealand tested Henry on Saturday during their training session, but the decision was made on Sunday when he looked visibly uncomfortable. Medium-pace all-rounder Nathan Smith replaced him in the sole modification to New Zealand’s team.
Rohit Sharma’s Toss Woes Continue, New Zealand Chooses to Bat First
In the meantime, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and decided to bat first. India captain Rohit Sharma’s run of misfortune with the coin continued as he suffered his 12th straight ODI loss.
“We’ll be batting first. Appears to be a very good wicket, same sort of one we batted India at here last week. To put runs on the board and have a look what unfolds. Naturally hoped for some blue shirts, wonderful atmosphere, great ground. Will be slightly different to what we experienced in Pakistan. Witnessed how India batted and what they received from it. Hopefully, will ease off later on. Different lads stepped up at various points. Want the guys going early and we have done it, so have India. Disappointed Matt Henry has been unable to play, got Nathan Smith to replace him,” Santner announced at the toss.
India, adhering to their winning combination, kept the same XI for the final. The Men in Blue have been in top gear all through the tournament, remaining unbeaten. They comprehensively beat Australia in the semi-final, while New Zealand booked their final berth by beating South Africa in Lahore.
