New Zealand Cricket Team Navigates Matt Henry's Absence Ahead of Semi-Final New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry has returned home to be with his family for the birth of his second child, raising concerns about his availability for the team’s semi-final against India in Kolkata on March 4. Coach Rob Walter confirmed Henry is safely at home, emphasizing the team’s focus on ensuring a smooth delivery for the newborn. “We’re first and foremost hoping everything goes off smoothly with the birth of his child and that he’s able to celebrate with his family,” Walter said. While the team remains optimistic Henry could return the day before the semi-final, Walter stressed that all possible scenarios are accounted for. If Henry is unavailable, New Zealand plans to recall Jacob Duffy, a seam bowler who was left out of the squad for the spin-friendly conditions in Colombo. Duffy, who has been a key performer for the team over the past 18 months, could replace either Cole McConchie or Ish Sodhi in the bowling attack. Walter highlighted the depth of the squad, noting that players like Kyle Jamieson are also ready to step in. “We’ve got very capable people sitting on the bench,” he said, underscoring the team’s preparedness for any contingency. The team’s recent match against Sri Lanka provided a critical test as they aimed to secure a semi-final spot. New Zealand’s victory in the Khettarama match, where opener Cole McConchie played a pivotal role, was secured after Sri Lanka reached 207 for 6. Walter admitted to only partially watching the game, checking in at a crucial moment to confirm the outcome. “I knew there was a good chance they would score those next three runs,” he said, expressing relief at the result.#kolkata #new_zealand_cricket_team #matt_henry #rob_walter #jacob_duffy
Matt Henry Doubtful for T20 World Cup Semi-Final vs South Africa New Zealand’s cricket team faces uncertainty ahead of their T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa, with their top fast bowler, Matt Henry, possibly missing the match. Captain Mitchell Santner hinted at the team’s pre-match press conference that Henry, who has been a key performer in the tournament, might not be available for the game. Santner revealed that Henry had returned to New Zealand to attend the birth of his child and was set to rejoin the squad in India on Tuesday, March 3. Henry’s absence could significantly impact New Zealand’s bowling attack, as he has been instrumental in the team’s success so far. In the Super 8s stage, he delivered a standout performance against Sri Lanka, taking two wickets for just three runs in a crucial match. His efficiency was evident as he bowled only two overs, delivering 10 dot balls and dismantling the Lankan top order. His form continued in the subsequent game against England, where he conceded 19 runs in 2.3 overs, picking up one wicket. Santner provided further insight into Henry’s potential availability for the semi-final, stating that the bowler’s readiness would depend on how his body responded to the long flight from New Zealand. “Matt is currently in the air, he’s landing tonight, so I guess we’ll see how he pulls up,” Santner said. “It’s obviously quite far away, New Zealand from here. But he’ll obviously have a little run around in the morning, see if he’s ready to go. So yeah, hopefully he’s good to go.” The semi-final against South Africa, scheduled for March 4 at Eden Gardens, marks the first time the two teams have faced each other in the tournament.#south_africa #t20_world_cup #mitchell_santner #eden_gardens #matt_henry
Matt Henry doubtful for semi-final vs South Africa, hints Mitchell Santner New Zealand’s cricket team faces uncertainty ahead of their T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa, with star fast bowler Matt Henry potentially missing the match. Captain Mitchell Santner provided updates during a pre-match press conference, revealing that Henry had returned to New Zealand for the birth of his child and was set to rejoin the squad in India on Tuesday, March 3. Santner emphasized that Henry’s availability for the semi-final would depend on his physical condition following the long flight from New Zealand. Henry has been a standout performer in the tournament, delivering crucial contributions in New Zealand’s Super 8s game against Sri Lanka. In that match, he took two wickets for just three runs in two overs, showcasing his precision with 10 dot balls. His impact was further highlighted in the subsequent game against England, where he bowled 2.3 overs for 19 runs. Despite his recent form, Henry’s absence looms large for the semi-final, as he is considered one of New Zealand’s most reliable fast bowlers. Santner described Henry’s return to the team as a process that would involve assessing his readiness after the flight. “Matt is currently in the air, he’s landing tonight, so I guess we’ll see how he pulls up,” Santner said. “It’s obviously quite far away, New Zealand from here. But he’ll obviously have a little run around in the morning, see if he’s ready to go. So yeah, hopefully he’s good to go.” The semi-final against South Africa will take place at Eden Gardens on March 4, with the match starting at 7 pm IST. New Zealand and South Africa have met once in the tournament, with the Proteas emerging victorious in Ahmedabad.#south_africa #mitchell_santner #eden_gardens #matt_henry #marco_jansen
New Zealand's Finn Allen smashed the fastest century in T20 World Cup history during the semi-final clash against South Africa in Kolkata, leading his team to a dominant nine-wicket victory and a berth in the final. Chasing 170 runs, Allen scored an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls, breaking the previous record of 47 balls set by Chris Gayle. His explosive innings, which included eight sixes and 10 fours, secured a comfortable win with 7.1 overs remaining. Allen reached his milestone with a powerful six off successive deliveries, celebrating with a roar at Eden Gardens. The New Zealand innings was anchored by a 117-run partnership with Tim Seifert, who scored 58 off 9.1 overs. Seifert contributed two sixes and seven fours, while Allen's aggressive strokeplay included 10 fours and eight sixes. The duo's partnership laid the foundation for a commanding total, as New Zealand's bowlers restricted South Africa to 169-8. Spinners Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie each claimed two wickets, limiting the visitors' scoring opportunities. South Africa, the 2024 runners-up, had entered the match unbeaten in seven games but struggled to recover from a mid-innings collapse. They were reduced to 77-5 before Marco Jansen steadied the innings with an unbeaten 55. Jansen, who hit two fours and five sixes in his 30-ball knock, partnered Tristan Stubbs for a 73-run stand. However, New Zealand's pace bowlers, including Matt Henry, who returned to the team after a personal absence, kept the pressure on. Henry took 2-34, while Ravindra and McConchie disrupted the South African batting order early. South Africa's half-century partnerships were short-lived, with key wickets falling to Ravindra and McConchie. Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton were dismissed in quick succession, and David Miller was caught by Daryl Mitchell for six runs.#tim_seifert #cole_mcconchie #finn_allen #rachin_ravindra #matt_henry
