New Zealand is 1-3 in the T20 World Cup semifinals. Just once have the Black Caps crossed the line, in 2021. But a new opportunity beckons. To cross the line and reach another final, New Zealand has to go through South Africa, the most in-form team in the tournament.
But it won’t be easy. There aren’t any obvious holes in South Africa’s side. They’ve beaten the Kiwis in the group stage and India, the title favourites for most, in the Super 8. Going past the Proteas won’t be easy. But New Zealand could enter the game with a disadvantage.
Questions over Matt Henry’s availability
Matt Henry might miss the game. The ace pacer returned home for the birth of his second child on February 27. With just 2 days left, Henry has yet to join the squad. New Zealand’s head coach, Rob Walter, has revealed that, as per plans, Henry should land in India on the eve of the match.
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.
But that isn’t 100% confirmed. If Henry needs to stay back or perhaps, he has issues returning due to the Middle East conflict, which has led to the closure of airspace in West Asia, Henry won’t be available.
Now, remember, Henry is one of the reasons why New Zealand qualified for the T20 World Cup semifinals. In the Super 8 stage, Henry bowled 4 powerplay overs and took 3 wickets. He killed Sri Lanka with a wicket on the first ball and sent Phil Salt packing against England.
Backups ready
If Henry isn’t available, New Zealand has the option of playing Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson. Considering the surface at Eden Gardens, the BlackCaps would’ve picked one of them over Ish Sodhi anyway. But both might play if Henry isn’t available.
If it’s a shoutout, Duffy will be preferred. He has already played 4 matches in the T20 World Cup and has been one of the mainstays for New Zealand in the last 12 months. Jamieson isn’t a bad option either, but Duffy is a proven wicket-taker in the powerplay. To beat South Africa, the Kiwis will need early wickets, and Duffy has shown his ability to consistently do that.
“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.
Predicted New Zealand Playing XI vs South Africa
Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry
Bench: Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Cole McConchie, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy
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