NZ Back Batting Firepower to Chase 255 vs India in T20 WC Final, Says Henry

Veteran seamer Matt Henry insists New Zealand retain belief in their batting firepower to chase India's imposing 255/5 in the T20 World Cup final. Henry admitted New Zealand's plan to use slower balls backfired as India's top order dispatched them with ease. He highlighted that India's batters expertly read the wicket before accelerating to put New Zealand under pressure. Despite the daunting target, Henry backed his team to fight back and still win the match.

Key Points: NZ Believe in Batting to Chase 255 in T20 WC Final vs India

  • NZ believes in batting firepower for chase
  • India post record 255/5 in final
  • NZ's slower-ball plan backfires
  • Samson, Kishan, Sharma power India
2 min read

T20 WC: NZ still believe in their batting firepower to put India under pressure, says Henry

Matt Henry says New Zealand still have the firepower and belief to chase India's 255/5 in the T20 World Cup final despite a costly bowling plan.

T20 WC: NZ still believe in their batting firepower to put India under pressure, says Henry
"We've still got the firepower and the belief in this shed. - Matt Henry"

Ahmedabad, March 8

Veteran seamer Matt Henry said New Zealand still have belief in their batting strength despite India posting an imposing 255/5 in the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup final. On a flat mixed soil pitch, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Abhishek Sharma carried India to a massive 255/5, the highest score in a T20 World Cup final.

"Obviously, that's tough. Obviously, we would have liked to have kept them to probably under 240 there, but we've still got the firepower and the belief in this shed. So I think for us, the way we start, hopefully we can get a good read of the wicket and put them under some pressure," said Henry in a mid-innings chat with the broadcasters.

New Zealand's plan of using slower balls proved to be too costly as India's top three batters picked them with ease and regularly dispatched them with authority over the boundary ropes. Henry explained that the bowling plan had been to take pace off early against India's big-hitting batters.

"Obviously, with the way they like pace coming onto the ball. The plan was obviously to take a bit of pace away from them. Obviously, they combated that pretty well. Probably for us, it's just a little disappointing, but the way we managed to squeeze it back from there in that middle phase, we gave ourselves a fighting chance there. At the end of the day, we're not out of this. We believe in that," he added.

Henry also felt that New Zealand's batters could learn from India's batting approach. "Well, I think if you look at the way they started, they actually got a read of the wicket. Then, from there, they actually looked to accelerate and put us under a lot of pressure. So obviously, it didn't look like when you're coming out from ball one, giving yourself a couple of balls. But for us, it's frustrating one, but I think we still back our boys to get this done."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As a neutral fan, this is what makes cricket great. The belief from NZ is admirable, but India's total looks unbeatable on any pitch. Sanju Samson was absolutely brilliant today.
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Aditya G
Respect to Henry for keeping the spirit up, but the Kiwi bowling plan backfired badly. Our batters were just too good at reading the slower balls. Time for our spinners to weave some magic now. Jai Hind!
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Priyanka N
I appreciate the positive talk, but it feels a bit hollow. 255/5 is a statement. Our middle order finally fired when it mattered most! Abhishek Sharma is the future star. 💙
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Karan T
Henry is right about one thing - they need to start well. But if Conway and Phillips fall early to our pace attack, the belief will vanish quickly. The pressure of a World Cup final in India is something else.
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Michael C
Watching from the UK. Fantastic batting display by India. New Zealand are always dangerous, but this target is monumental. Should be a thrilling chase regardless!

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