Last Updated on 2 months ago by Charbel Coorey

Matt Henry is a strong chance of featuring in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa at Eden Gardens.

Henry travelled back to New Zealand following the Black Caps’ loss to England last Friday (February 27) for the birth of his second child. According to the Press Trust of India, Black Caps captain Mitchell Santner said Henry is travelling back to India.

“He is travelling back. Hopefully he’s good to go,” Santner said.

New Zealand hopeful Matt Henry will play in crunch T20 World Cup Semi-Final against South Africa in Kolkata

On March 1, New Zealand coach Rob Walter confirmed that Matt Henry returned home safely to be with his wife. He said that provided everything goes well, Henry should be back in India a day before the semi-final.

“Matt’s home – safe and sound. We’re dealing with nature – so we’re first and foremost just hoping that everything goes off smoothly with the birth of his child and that he’s able to celebrate that with his family,” Walter said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“If everything works out according to plan and stars align, he should be back the day before the semi-finals. So, yeah, that’s what we’re hoping for. But obviously, we’ve got all contingencies covered if it doesn’t happen like that.”

Henry is a crucial cog in New Zealand’s team. The pace bowler is an excellent exponent of the powerplay overs, often extracting movement even on flat pitches. His qualities will be vital against South Africa’s strong top order.

Henry has taken seven wickets in the 2026 T20 World Cup at an economy of 7.41, largely on batting-friendly surfaces. Three of those wickets have come in the powerplay, where he is conceding just 6.62 runs per over.

Should Henry not make it, New Zealand have Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson as the other pace-bowling options.

“I mean, Jacob Duffy’s been the one that missed out,” coach Walter said. “He’s been incredible for us over the last 18 months. So, it’s tough enough leaving him out of the team, really. If it does work out that unfortunately Matt can’t make it back, then absolutely [Duffy comes into contention]. [We have] very capable people sitting on the bench, Kyle Jamieson [for example]. So, we’ve got those bases covered, no doubt.”