'We've got all contingencies covered’ - New Zealand coach confident even if Matt Henry misses T20 World Cup semifinal

New Zealand pacer Matt Henry has flown back home for the birth of his second child and is now in a race against time to rejoin the squad ahead of their semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2026 in Kolkata on March 4. They will be taking on the winner between India and West Indies Super 8 encounter. 

The Kiwi Head coach Rob Walter confirmed that Henry is safely back home and that the team is closely monitoring the situation before their knockout clash in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

“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,” Rob Walter was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“If everything works out according to plan and stars align, he should be back the day before the semi-finals. So, yeah, that's what we're hoping for. But obviously, we've got all contingencies covered if it doesn't happen like that,” he continued.

Should Henry fail to return in time, New Zealand are likely to recall Jacob Duffy, who was left out in Colombo due to spin-friendly conditions. The team management could also consider bringing seam-bowling all-rounder Kyle Jamieson back into the XI.

Walter admitted that leaving Duffy out was not an easy decision and highlighted the depth available in the squad.

“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,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s semifinal berth was confirmed only after a tense encounter between Pakistan vs Sri Lanka. New Zealand required Sri Lanka to score at least 148 while chasing 213 to stay ahead of Pakistan's net run rate. The co-hosts reached that mark comfortably even though they had to settle with a five-run loss to Pakistan.