Nathan Smith replaced Matt Henry in New Zealand XI.
New Zealand and India are clashing in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on March 9, 2025, in Dubai. The final sees the two teams clash for the second time at this venue. New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner offered a disheartening update to his team's fans, revealing that premier bowler Matt Henry has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy final against India owing to an injury.
Henry was spotted warming up before the start of the final but was unable to demonstrate his fitness. As a result, the Kiwis chose not to include him in the playing XI for the title final.
When Henry realized he would not be able to compete in the final, tears streamed down his face, and the video shattered many supporters' hearts on social media. The Kiwis picked Nathan Smith to replace Henry in the final.
Here is the video:
New Zealand had a good start with Rachin Ravindra smashing 37 in 29 balls, but then Indian spinners tightened the noose. Will Young (15), Ravindra, Kane Williamson (11), and Tom Latham (14) all got out to spinners. Glenn Phillips (34) added 57 valuable runs with Daryl Mitchell before being clean-bowled by Varun Chakaravarthy.
At the time of writing this piece, New Zealand was 179/5 in 43rd over.