Matt Henry, New Zealand’s star fast bowler, suffered a hamstring injury during the team’s 190-run loss to South Africa in Pune, adding to the team’s mounting injury problems. After complaining of pain in his right hamstring during his sixth over, Henry pulled up in the middle of the innings. He walked off the pitch after consulting briefly with the team physiotherapist. He did, however, face nine balls after coming out to bat at No. 11. Henry will have an MRI scan within the next 24 hours to determine the severity of his injury, according to New Zealand Cricket.
Henry wasn’t the only victim of the day in the 2019 finalists’ injury-plagued campaign; they now have a tense last week to try and qualify for this edition’s final four. After being hit by the ball, James Neesham, who finished Henry’s over and went on to bowl five more, had a bruise on his right wrist. Despite not having any broken bones, the x-ray revealed that he was down in the batting order at No. 9, where he scored an eight-ball duck.
During their match in Pune, New Zealand were essentially left with precisely 11 fit squad members. The injuries to Mark Chapman (calf) and Kane Williamson (thumb) kept them out of the game and will be reevaluated in Bengaluru ahead of Saturday’s pivotal match against Pakistan.
Tim Southee, who came in for Lockie Ferguson in the starting lineup, also had scans on his right Achilles, but the results showed no serious injuries. With any luck, Lockie Ferguson will be available for the Black Caps’ next match.
On November 4, New Zealand and Pakistan will play during the day at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The following Thursday, November 9, they’ll play Sri Lanka at the same location to wrap out their league campaign.