New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has cast doubt over the availability of pace spearhead Matt Henry for the Champions Trophy final against India on Sunday, following the fast bowler’s shoulder injury in the semi-final clash against South Africa.
Henry, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, sustained the injury while attempting a catch in the deep. Santner, addressing the media on Saturday, said,
“Matt’s going to have a bowl just to see how he is. We’ll make a call after that.”
Chakravarthy: India’s Mystery Spin Weapon
Meanwhile, New Zealand is gearing up to face India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who wreaked havoc in their group-stage encounter in Dubai, taking 5-42 with his deceptive variations—including off-breaks, leg-breaks, googlies, and the carrom ball.
Santner acknowledged Chakravarthy’s threat but remained confident in his team’s ability to counter India’s potent spin attack.
“He’s obviously a world-class bowler. We’ve seen it here and in the IPL, and he has that little bit of mystery,” Santner said.
“But it was the first time some of the guys faced him. They’ll learn from the other day.”
New Zealand has since studied more footage of Chakravarthy but remains wary of India’s three other spinners, who could also pose challenges if conditions favor turn.
“If the pitch plays a similar way, it’s going to be tough. That 115 km/h arm-ball that got me—that was a real threat.”
India Confident, But History Favors New Zealand
India enters the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium as the tournament favorites, having won all four of their matches, including a 44-run victory over New Zealand in the group stage.
However, history leans towards New Zealand, who stunned India with a 3-0 Test series whitewash last year and boast a strong head-to-head record in global white-ball tournaments (9 wins, 6 losses, 1 no-result).
India, led by Rohit Sharma, has played all its matches in Dubai, having refused to travel to Champions Trophy hosts Pakistan due to political tensions.
With 25,000 Indian fans expected to back the Men in Blue, New Zealand will be eyeing a second Champions Trophy title, having last lifted the trophy in 2000.
Can the Black Caps defy the odds once again, or will India’s spin quartet, led by Chakravarthy, dominate the final? All eyes on Dubai this Sunday! 🏏🔥
