Jacob Duffy or Kyle Jamieson? New Zealand Prepare Backup if Matt Henry Misses Semi-final

The Kiwi pacer, Matt Henry, left the team after the defeat to England in Colombo and ONCE AGAIN, he raced home for the birth of his second child. At this point, the Kiwis had not qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup (semifinals) as their fate depended on the outcome of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka match. In the end, however, the black caps went on to make the final four after a close Sri Lankan match against Pakistan in Pallekele.

Matt Henry Expected to Return Before Semi-final

Now, New Zealand will face one of South Africa, India, or the West Indies in the first semifinal at Eden Gardens on March 4. New Zealand head coach Rob Walter had previously stated that Henry would return to India if the BlackCaps qualified for the semifinal. Walter has confirmed that Henry is expected to land in Kolkata on the eve of the first semifinal.

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

Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson Ready as Backup Options

New Zealand are ready with backup options if Matt Henry cannot return. The Middle East conflict will not affect his travel plans, but if he is unavailable, the Kiwis can bring in Jacob Duffy or Kyle Jamieson. Both are deadly with the new ball, much like Henry, meaning New Zealand won’t be underpowered in the semifinal.

“I mean, Jacob Duffy’s been the one that missed out. 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,” Walter added.

New Zealand’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Cole McConchie.

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