New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry is set to return home on Friday following the Super 8 match against England in the T20 World Cup 2026. He will be with his wife to welcome their second child into the world. Head coach Rob Walter expressed the team’s excitement for the couple, highlighting the significance of this moment for their family. “We’re all thrilled for Matt and Holly as they prepare to welcome their new addition. It’s a pivotal time for them, and we wish them all the best,” he stated.
In this global tournament, the ‘Black Caps’ must defeat England in Colombo to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Should they lose, their chances will hinge on the outcome of the match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, set for February 28 in Kandy. Walter noted, “There’s still a lot to unfold, but we remain hopeful that everything aligns for both the team and Matt, allowing him to return for the latter stages of the competition.”
Currently, New Zealand has achieved one win out of two matches in the Super 8 phase, placing them second in Group 2 with a net run rate (NRR) of +3.050 and three points. Meanwhile, South Africa has already secured their place in the semi-finals from Group 1. The second team from that group will be determined after the upcoming match between Team India and the West Indies, scheduled for March 1 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Fans are eager to see if the ‘Men in Blue’ can keep their title defense alive.
New Zealand’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad includes: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.