New Zealand provide update on key pacer’s fitness ahead of Champions Trophy final

New Zealand's front-line pacer, Matt Henry, faces a challenge to be fit for the Champions Trophy final due to a shoulder injury sustained during the semi-final against South Africa in Lahore.

Henry, who is currently the tournament's leading wicket-taker, injured his shoulder while taking a catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen at the boundary.

Despite the injury, he returned to bowl two overs later in the match after treatment and was also seen diving in the field after his comeback, sparking optimism on the extent of the injury.

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However, concerns over his fitness have emerged as the final approaches.

While skipper Mitchell Santner remained confident about Henry's availability immediately following the match on Wednesday, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead provided a more cautious update, revealing that Henry's fitness was still uncertain with less than 48 hours remaining before the final.

"The positive is that he (Henry) managed to get back out there and bowl," Stead said.

"We've had some scans done, and we'll give him every chance to play in the final. However, at this stage, it's still a bit unclear.

"He's obviously quite sore from landing on the point of his shoulder. Hopefully, he will be okay.”

With 10 wickets at an average of 16.70 across 4 innings in the tournament, Henry has embraced his role as a front-line pacer for New Zealand, including a five-wicket haul in the group-stage match against India in Dubai.

Should Henry be ruled out of the final, New Zealand have a ready replacement in right-arm seamer Jacob Duffy, who is part of the squad. Though Duffy has not featured in any of New Zealand's four matches so far in the tournament, he did play in the pre-tournament tri-series against Pakistan, where he claimed 1/48 in his seven overs.

New Zealand will face India in the Champions Trophy final in Dubai on Sunday, March 9, their first CT final since 2009.