New Zealand pacer Matt Henry has been officially ruled out of the remaining T20Is against Pakistan due to a shoulder injury, New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Saturday. Henry, who was initially included in the squad despite the injury, will now focus on his rehabilitation programme.
Zakary Foulkes Retained, Kyle Jamieson Dropped
In Henry’s absence, Zakary Foulkes—who was initially selected for the first three matches—has been retained for the fourth and fifth T20Is. The 22-year-old impressed with figures of 1 for 11 in the series opener, though he went wicketless while conceding 32 runs in the second match.
Meanwhile, Kyle Jamieson, who was Player of the Match in the first T20I for his brilliant 3 for 8, has been left out after a costly spell of 0 for 54 in the third game, which Pakistan won. Will O’Rourke, initially named for only the first three games, will replace Jamieson for the remainder of the series.
Injury Woes for Matt Henry
Henry’s absence stems from a right shoulder injury sustained during the Champions Trophy semi-final win over South Africa earlier this month. This injury had already ruled him out of the final against India, and he continues to manage a persistent left-knee issue.
Pace Attack and Squad Dynamics
Jacob Duffy has been New Zealand’s standout bowler in the series, leading the wicket charts with seven scalps after playing all three matches. James Neesham and Ben Sears have featured in two games each, while spinners Ish Sodhi and captain Michael Bracewell have played throughout the series.
With New Zealand leading the five-match series 2-1, the fourth T20I is scheduled for Sunday in Mount Maunganui, while the final game will be held on Wednesday in Wellington.
New Zealand Squad for the Last Two T20Is vs Pakistan
- Michael Bracewell (capt)
- Finn Allen
- Mitchell Hay (wk)
- Tim Robinson
- Tim Seifert (wk)
- Mark Chapman
- Zakary Foulkes
- Daryl Mitchell
- James Neesham
- Jacob Duffy
- Will O’Rourke
- Ben Sears
- Ish Sodhi
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