Matt Henry Ruled Out of T20I Series Against Pakistan, Zak Foulkes Retained

Matt Henry Ruled Out of T20I Series Against Pakistan, Zak Foulkes Retained

BLACKCAPS Pacer Sidelined Due to Shoulder and Knee Concerns

Tauranga, March 22, 2025 – New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry has been ruled out of the remainder of the KFC T20I series against Pakistan as he continues to recover from ongoing injury concerns. Henry, who sustained a right-shoulder injury during the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final victory over South Africa, has also been managing a persistent left-knee issue, prompting team management to prioritize his rehabilitation.

With New Zealand leading the five-match series 2-1, Henry’s absence will be a setback for the BLACKCAPS, who have been heavily reliant on their pace attack in the contest against Pakistan.

Zak Foulkes Retained, Will O’Rourke Joins Squad

With Henry sidelined, Canterbury pacer Zak Foulkes has been retained for the final two matches of the series. The 22-year-old, who was initially brought in for the first three games, will now have another opportunity to showcase his skills at the highest level.

Meanwhile, Will O’Rourke, originally scheduled to feature in just the first three matches, will stay on for the remainder of the series. He replaces Kyle Jamieson, who has been rested for the final two T20Is as part of New Zealand’s workload management strategy.

BLACKCAPS head coach Gary Stead emphasized that Henry’s absence is a precautionary measure to ensure his full fitness ahead of a demanding international calendar.
“Matt has been an integral part of our pace unit, but given his recent injuries, we feel it’s best to allow him the time he needs to recover properly. We have full confidence in Zak and Will to step up in his absence.”

Remaining Fixtures and Series Status

The BLACKCAPS currently hold a 2-1 lead in the series, with Pakistan looking to bounce back and push for a decider. The remaining two matches are scheduled as follows:

• 4th T20I: Bay Oval, Tauranga – Sunday, March 23

• 5th T20I: Sky Stadium, Wellington – Wednesday, March 26

With the series still up for grabs, both teams will be eager to put in strong performances in the upcoming fixtures.

Henry’s Injury Woes Continue

Henry’s latest setback comes after a string of injury troubles in recent months. The 32-year-old fast bowler was a crucial part of New Zealand’s ICC Champions Trophy campaign but suffered a shoulder injury during the high-stakes semi-final against South Africa. His ongoing knee issues have further complicated his recovery, forcing the team management to take a cautious approach.

Despite the setback, Henry remains a key part of New Zealand’s future plans, particularly with important bilateral series and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon.

Foulkes and O’Rourke: The Next Generation of Kiwi Pace

Zak Foulkes, who has been making waves in domestic cricket, will be eager to make his mark at the international level. The young Canterbury seamer has impressed with his ability to generate bounce and movement, making him a valuable asset for New Zealand’s pace attack.

Will O’Rourke’s extended stay with the squad also presents another opportunity for the promising fast bowler. The tall right-armer has showcased his talent in domestic cricket, and with the BLACKCAPS continually looking to build depth in their pace department, O’Rourke could play a crucial role in the coming matches.

Pakistan Eyes a Comeback

For Pakistan, the absence of Matt Henry is a welcome relief as they look to level the series. The visitors have shown flashes of brilliance but have struggled with consistency. With key players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan leading the charge, Pakistan will be determined to push the series to a decider in Wellington.

What’s Next for Henry

Henry’s rehabilitation will be closely monitored by the New Zealand medical team, with an eye on his return for upcoming international commitments. While no official timeline has been set for his comeback, the BLACKCAPS will be hoping to have him fully fit before their next major assignment.

As New Zealand prepares for the final two matches against Pakistan, all eyes will be on their young pace duo, Foulkes and O’Rourke, as they look to step up in the absence of their seasoned campaigner.

Stay tuned for further updates on the BLACKCAPS squad and injury developments.