New Zealand will face India in the Champions Trophy final without one of their key players, Matt Henry. Henry sustained a shoulder injury during the semi-final match against South Africa, forcing him to miss the crucial final.
Nathan Smith has been named as Henry’s replacement in the New Zealand team for the final. Henry was the leading wicket-taker in the tournament before his injury.
Concerns about Henry’s fitness for the final arose earlier when New Zealand coach Gary Stead mentioned that scans were done on his shoulder, and his participation was uncertain. Despite Henry’s efforts to train before the match, the team decided not to risk him for such an important game.
Henry’s absence is a significant blow for New Zealand as he has been instrumental in their journey to the final. Notably, he took a five-wicket haul in their match against India earlier in the tournament, which was also played in Dubai, the venue for the final.
For the final, New Zealand chose to include all-rounder Nathan Smith instead of another fast bowler like Jacob Duffy. Smith has played one match in the tournament so far, against Pakistan, where he took one wicket.
ऋतिका चंद्रमोहन