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Matt Henry Set To Abandon New Zealand After T20 World Cup Super 8

Anurag Dasgupta

Matt Henry set to fly nack home after Super 8 [Source: AFP] Matt Henry set to fly nack home after Super 8 [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, New Zealand pacer Matt Henry is set to fly back home for the birth of his second child. The fast bowler has been granted leave by the team management, and he will leave the T20 World Cup midway after the Super 8 clash against England on Friday.

New Zealand coach Rob Walter said Matt Henry may return to the competition if the Blackcaps qualify for the semi-finals, which they might, considering the team's healthy net run-rate.

NZ coach gives update on Matt Henry

"Firstly, we're all very excited for Matt and Holly on the arrival of their second child," New Zealand coach Rob Walter said in a statement. "It's a very significant moment for their family and we're wishing them all the best."

"There's a lot of water to go under the bridge but we're hopeful that the stars align for the team and for Matt and that we'll see him back competing in the final phases of the competition."

Earlier, Lockie Ferguson, another pacer was granted paternity leave, though he was back for the clash against Sri Lanka.

New Zealand to miss Henry if he is unable to return

Henry is New Zealand’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing T20 World Cup, with 6 wickets in five innings. He has delivered for the team on tricky wickets, with an economy of just 7.38. If he is unable to return, the Kiwis will surely miss his services (if they qualify for the semis).

He is a genuine wicket-taker for the Black Caps across formats, and has improved his skill set for the T20 format. Henry is a powerplay specialist, and can take wickets inside the first 6 overs, a trait the team will miss if they qualify and Henry misses out.

Also Read: ENG vs NZ Toss Update: Harry Brook Drops Star All-Rounder To Bring In Extra Spinner

New Zealand's T20 WC semifinal qualification chances

From New Zealand’s group, England have qualified for the semifinals of the World Cup, courtesy of a Harry Brook special hundred vs Pakistan. The two sides will lock horns on Friday, and the equation for the Kiwis is simple, beat England, and reach the semis.

If the Kiwis win, they will top the group and will play the second-placed team from the other group in the semis. However, the equation would change if they lose tonight against England. In such a scenario, New Zealand will hope that Pakistan loses against Sri Lanka.

If Pakistan beats the Sri Lankan side, the NRR will come into equation to decide the second semifinalist between Pakistan, and New Zealand.

Who will replace Henry if New Zealand reach the semis

In case the Black Caps reach the T20 World Cup semis and Henry is unable, the team has two solid options to replace the pacer in the playing XI. For the match against England, both Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson are warming the bench, and one of them could come in handy in the semis.

In a high-pressure semifinal game, the team management might go in for Jamieson, as the lanky pacer has the knack of picking wickets in the powerplay.

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