Former LSG pacer to take paternity leave after Super 8 clash vs England in T20 World Cup 2026
Former LSG pacer Matt Henry will leave the New Zealand camp after the Super 8 match against England to be present for the birth of his second child. The team management has granted him paternity leave and hopes he can return if New Zealand qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026.
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New Zealand will face England in the Super 8 match on Friday, 27 February 2026. It is a must-win game for the Kiwis to reach the semi-finals. Ahead of the match, big news has come from the New Zealand camp as star pacer Matt Henry will travel back home.
The former LSG pacer has been impressive with the new ball and has used his experience well in the tournament. However, he will return home after the Super 8 clash against England for the birth of his second child.
The Kiwis have not yet secured a place in the T20 World Cup semi-finals, but the team management remains confident. They have granted Henry paternity leave after the match against England so he can be with his family for this special moment.
Coach Rob Walter Sends Best Wishes to 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. “It’s a very special moment for their family and we wish them all the best.”
Walter hopes the team will reach the next round so that the CSK's new signing can return for the final stages. He said there is still a long way to go, but the team is hopeful that everything will work out well.
New Zealand in Strong Position Despite Washout
New Zealand are in a good position in Group 2, even after their match against Pakistan was washed out. A win against England will confirm their place in the semi-finals.
Even if they lose, they still have a strong chance. Their Net Run Rate is +3.050, which is much better than Pakistan’s -0.461. Pakistan would need a very big win to improve their NRR and qualify.
Henry has taken six wickets in five innings at an economy rate of 7.38. He was brilliant against the Sri Lanka national cricket team, dismissing Pathum Nissanka on the first ball of the second innings.
Earlier in the tournament, Lockie Ferguson also took paternity leave but later rejoined the squad.
Toss Update: New Zealand Bat First Against England
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first. They have gone with the same playing XI that won their last match.
England have made one change, bringing in Rehan Ahmed for Jamie Overton. The England cricket team have already qualified for the next round.
The match is being played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. It promises to be an exciting contest.
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Avijit Das
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