Matt Henry’s Unfulfilled Dreams in the Champions Trophy Final
Matt Henry had longed to be part of the Champions Trophy final. His bowling prowess had been on full display throughout the tournament, earning him the title of the highest wicket-taker with 10 wickets at an impressive average of 16.70. In his penultimate match against India in Dubai, he had taken five crucial wickets. Even when he suffered a shoulder injury while taking the catch that dismissed Heinrich Klaasen in the semi-final against South Africa, he was determined to stay in the game, bowling two additional overs and fielding. However, fate had other plans. Despite his valiant efforts, the injury prevented him from playing in the final against India, a team he has historically dominated, having claimed 21 wickets in 11 ODIs at an average of 21.00 and an economy rate of 4.48. Captain Mitchell Santner expressed his team’s loss, noting Henry’s ability to generate movement on wickets that typically don’t offer much. "He tried everything he could to be ready for this game, and unfortunately for us, he wasn’t quite there," Santner said, visibly moved by the distress his teammate was in.
A Team Man’s Distress
The absence of Matt Henry was felt deeply by the New Zealand team. Santner highlighted the impact Henry’s injury had on the team’s morale. "He was the leading wicket-taker going into this game, and he’s an outstanding bowler," he said. "He seems to be able to nip it on wickets that don’t look like they should nip, so I guess we missed that today. I feel for Matty. He’s a massive team man, and he looked pretty distraught. To come this far and then be injured for the main event was pretty tough for him and I guess for us." Santner’s words painted a picture of a devoted teammate whose dedication and contributions were sorely missed. Henry’s determination to return to the game was a testament to his commitment, and the team’s resolve to play for him added an emotional layer to their final match.
Battling Through Adversity
New Zealand faced numerous challenges throughout the Champions Trophy. Unlike India, who played all their matches in Dubai, New Zealand had to travel between various venues in Pakistan, making them the only team to play in four different locations. The quick turnaround and extensive travel certainly tested their resilience. But it wasn’t just the logistical hurdles; injuries also played a significant role. Rachin Ravindra, who was named the Player of the Tournament with 263 runs at an average of 65.75 and a strike rate of 106.47, plus three wickets, suffered a blow to his forehead while attempting a catch in the outfield during the tri-series that preceded the Champions Trophy. Despite this, he returned to form and contributed significantly to the team’s success. Similarly, Kyle Jamieson stepped in as a late replacement for the injured Lockie Ferguson, who was hurt playing in the ILT20. Santner praised Jamieson’s immediate impact, noting his excellent bowling performance. "It’s never going to go perfectly in these tournaments, I guess, with the quick turnaround of games like we had," Santner reflected. "But I think what’s most pleasing is different guys got opportunities and stepped up."
Overcoming Injuries
The New Zealand team’s ability to adapt and overcome injuries was a crucial factor in their journey to the final. Santner acknowledged the team’s challenges but also highlighted the positive aspects. "There were guys coming in and out due to injury, and then the way Rachin came back straight away after his head knock and hit the ground running was great. And Kyle Jamieson flying over and coming straight into the team—I thought he bowled extremely well in the games he played." This adaptability and the spirit of stepping up in times of need showcased the team’s depth and unity. Each player’s contribution, whether it was Ravindra’s quick return to form or Jamieson’s seamless integration, played a vital role in the team’s success.
The First Innings: A Mixed Bag
In the final against India, New Zealand’s first innings was a tale of two halves. They started strongly, reaching 57 for no wicket after 7.4 overs, setting the stage for a potentially high score. But the game took a sharp turn as Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, and Kane Williamson all fell in quick succession, bringing the total to 75 for 3 after 12.2 overs. The spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav were instrumental in this downfall. Chakaravarthy struck the first blow, and Kuldeep’s brilliance within his first seven deliveries further derailed the New Zealand innings. "I think the way we went about it for the first eight overs or so was outstanding," Santner said. "And then it took some brilliance from the spinners to really peg us back and make it challenging through that middle phase. After the start, we were probably thinking of a score around 275 or 280."
Credit to the Indian Spinners
Despite the setback, Santner was quick to credit the Indian spinners for their exceptional performance. "Credit has to go to Kuldeep for the way he bowled straight after the powerplay, and Varun inside the powerplay," he remarked. The Indian spinners’ ability to disrupt the New Zealand batting order in the middle overs was crucial in setting up the game for India. New Zealand’s efforts to defend a target of 253 were hindered by mistakes in the field, but the Indian spinners’ early strikes in the first innings had already put the team at a disadvantage. Santner’s reflection on the game emphasized the importance of starting strong and the impact of poor middle-order performances on the overall outcome. The team’s journey to the final, marked by perseverance and teamwork, remained a source of pride, even in the face of a tough defeat.
