New Zealand’s premier fast bowler Matt Henry returned home after losing to England in Colombo. Expecting his second child, Henry rushed home. At the time, New Zealand hadn’t qualified for the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal. Their fate was in the hands of Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Fortunately, the Men in Black reached the final four after Sri Lanka pushed Pakistan to the limit in Pallekele. Now, New Zealand will face one of South Africa, India, or the West Indies in the first semifinal at Eden Gardens on March 4.
Matt Henry expected to return
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter had previously stated that Henry would return to India if the BlackCaps qualified for the semifinal. Walter has confirmed that Henry is expected to land in Kolkata on the eve of the first semifinal.
“Matt’s home – safe and sound. We’re dealing with nature – so we’re first and foremost just hoping that everything goes off smoothly with the birth of his child and that he’s able to celebrate that with his family. If everything works out according to plan and stars align, he should be back the day before the semifinals. So, yeah, that’s what we’re hoping for. But obviously, we’ve got all contingencies covered if it doesn’t happen like that,” Walter said from Colombo.
Backups ready for BlackCaps
But New Zealand is prepared if Henry can’t return. Although the conflict in the Middle East won’t affect his travel plans, if Henry can’t come back, the Kiwis have the option of playing Jacob Duffy or Kyle Jamieson. Both are deadly with the new ball, much like Henry, meaning New Zealand won’t be underpowered in the semifinal.
“I mean, Jacob Duffy’s been the one that missed out. He’s been incredible for us over the last 18 months. So, it’s tough enough leaving him out of the team, really. If it does work out that, unfortunately, Matt can’t make it back, then absolutely (Duffy comes into contention). (We have) very capable people sitting on the bench, Kyle Jamieson (for example). So, we’ve got those bases covered, no doubt,” Walter added.
New Zealand’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal
Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Cole McConchie.
Cricket
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