Matt Henry to Miss Final Two T20Is Against Pakistan Due to Injury, Kyle Jamieson Excluded from New Zealand Squad

By ESPNcricinfo Staff, 22-Mar-2025

New Zealand has announced that fast bowler Matt Henry will miss the last two T20Is against Pakistan due to a persistent shoulder injury and a left-knee issue. Henry had been initially included in New Zealand’s squad for the fourth and fifth T20Is despite his shoulder injury but has now officially been ruled out. The team confirmed on Saturday that Henry will continue with his injury rehabilitation program instead of participating in the upcoming matches.

Injury Woes for Matt Henry

Matt Henry’s injuries have caused concerns for the New Zealand team. The fast bowler sustained a shoulder injury while diving in the outfield during the Champions Trophy semi-final match against South Africa earlier this month. This injury also forced him to miss the final against India. On top of that, he has been managing an ongoing issue with his left knee, which has been a source of discomfort for him. As a result, Henry will not be available for the last two games of the series against Pakistan, as New Zealand looks to give him the time needed to recover fully.

Zakary Foulkes Steps In as Replacement

To fill Henry’s spot, Zakary Foulkes has been retained in the squad for the final two T20Is. Foulkes, who was initially selected for just the first three matches, has now been given a chance to feature in the last two games. His performance in the series so far has been solid, with figures of 1 for 11 in the first match and none for 32 in the second game. Both of these performances contributed to New Zealand’s victories, which helped the team secure a 2-1 lead in the series.

Kyle Jamieson Excluded from the Squad

In another squad change, all-rounder Kyle Jamieson has been removed from the T20I squad after his mixed performances. Jamieson, who had been named Player of the Match in the first T20I for his excellent figures of 3 for 8, struggled in the third game. In that match, he was expensive, finishing with figures of none for 54, as Pakistan won the game. As a result, Jamieson has been excluded from the squad, and Will O’Rourke, who was originally selected for just the first three matches, has been called up as his replacement.

New Zealand’s Bowling Lineup

New Zealand’s fast bowlers have been performing well in the series, with Jacob Duffy leading the way with seven wickets from three matches. Duffy has been the standout performer among the quicks, and his efforts have helped New Zealand maintain control in the series. Meanwhile, fellow fast bowlers James Neesham and Ben Sears have been used in rotation, with each playing two games. The team’s spinners, Ish Sodhi and captain Michael Bracewell, have also been consistent, playing all three matches of the series.

With the changes to the squad, New Zealand’s final T20Is against Pakistan will see a slight shift in personnel, but the team remains confident in its ability to finish the series strong. The upcoming matches will be held in Mount Maunganui and Wellington, with New Zealand leading the series 2-1.

New Zealand’s Squad for the Final Two T20Is Against Pakistan

Michael Bracewell (captain)
Finn Allen
Mitchell Hay (wicketkeeper)
Tim Robinson
Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper)
Mark Chapman
Zakary Foulkes
Daryl Mitchell
James Neesham
Jacob Duffy
Will O’Rourke
Ben Sears
Ish Sodhi

As New Zealand prepares for the final two matches, their focus will be on securing a series victory against Pakistan, despite the absence of key players like Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson.

Looking Ahead

New Zealand’s squad changes are a reflection of their commitment to player fitness and readiness. With an eye on both the T20 series and future international tournaments, ensuring players like Matt Henry are fully recovered is crucial. The team’s management has made it clear that rehabilitation is the priority, and they remain optimistic that the squad will continue to perform strongly against Pakistan in the upcoming matches.

The last two T20Is will not only be vital for New Zealand’s series win but will also give players like Zakary Foulkes and Will O’Rourke an opportunity to prove themselves in the international arena. As the series heads into its final stages, fans will be eagerly watching to see how New Zealand adapts to these changes and whether they can seal a series victory.