New Zealand pacer Matt Henry’s triple strike at the beginning of rain-affected semi-final, which included prize scalp of Rohit Sharma on just 1 run, provided the much-needed momentum to set up a sensational win over two-time champions India in Manchester on Wednesday (July 10)

Henry along with his fellow paceman Trent Boult trapped Rohit and Kohli to slip India to 5/3 while chasing 240 on the scoreboard. The Kiwis have now sealed a World Cup final berth for the second time in succession.

“It’s a really special win. Coming up against a world-class side like India who has been playing really good cricket, to be on right side of a win was really special,” Henry told the ICC.

Henry has now 13 wickets in his kitty in eight matches, third-highest wicket-taker in the tournament for the Blackcaps after Ferguson (18) and Boult (17).

“Obviously you always want to get wickets at the top that stems the flow of runs. Rohit and Virat have been brilliant all tournament and to have those early wickets allowed us to play our game and put pressure on their middle-order,” the 27-year-old added.

Matt Henry who has now 91 wickets in 51 ODIs at an average of 26.34, felt the experience of tough matches when Carlos Brathwaite almost snatched a win from the jaws of defeat.

“You call back on moments like Brathwaite’s hitting in our game against West Indies. You always want to learn from them. We have had some tight games and managed to cross the line, those moments help us in handling pressure in crunch games like the semifinals,” Henry said in the ICC mixed zone.

When asked about second successive World Cup final, he said,  “It’s a pretty special moment to go to a Lord’s final. I think we have to assess when we get there and keep backing ourselves.”

“It’s tough to separate the two teams — Australia has been playing good cricket, England is a good team in their home backyard. It’s going to be a good watch,” he added.

(With Inputs from CricketNext)