Kiwi pacer Matt Henry suffered an injury in the match against South Africa in Pune. (Photo: AFP)
New Delhi: Kiwi pacer Matt Henry was down and out after suffering a right hamstring injury in the 2023 ODI World Cup match against South Africa at the Maharashtra Cricket Stadium in Pune. He suffered the injury in the 27th over of the match of Proteas innings after he bowled three balls of his 6th over. After sustaining the injury, he suffered utter discomfort and had to walk off the field.
Although New Zealand team management, who were out seeing his condition, strapped his hamstring region, which helped him to continue bowling but unfortunately he had to walk off. The Kiwis were quick to issue a statement in this regard on their social media handle X. Updating about Henry’s situation, the statement read that he felt a tightness in his right hamstring and after further assessment he will not return to the field at this stage. However, it is not clear that who will come onto bat in his position if the requirement arrives.
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Injury woes for Kiwis
Till now in this tournament, Henry has become the fourth injured player in the New Zealand team, alongside Lockie Ferguson who’s suffering from achilles, Mark Chapman has had a calf injury and Kane Williamson is out due to a thumb injury. The quick return of Henry is essential for the New Zealand team as he happens to be the second most successful bowler in the marquee event so far, after Mitchell Santner.
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So far, the Kiwi pacer has taken 11 wickets in the seven matches played at an average of 28.63 and an economy rate of 5.79, which is not bad. He registered his best figures of three for 40 in the match against the Netherlands. The Black Caps are currently ranked third on the points table with four wins and two defeats from six games and seem as possible contenders in the race to the semifinals.
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