T20 World Cup 2026: Matt Henry Set to Exit NZ Squad After England Match to Welcome Second Child

Pace bowler Matt Henry has been granted paternity leave by New Zealand Cricket. He will return home following the current T20 World Cup 2026 match between New Zealand and England. In a few days, Henry and his wife, Molly, will have their second child. With six wickets from five innings at an economy rate of 7.38, Henry has been New Zealand's joint-highest wicket-taker in this T20 World Cup. In the New Zealand system, this is the second time a player has been given parental leave.

New Zealand will advance to the semi-finals and win Group 2 if they defeat the Three Lions in the forthcoming match. Rob Walter, the head coach of New Zealand, has voiced optimism that Henry will return and wear the Kiwi jersey once more if the Black Caps finish in the top four.

Matt Henry to Welcome Second Child:

Matt Henry will leave the #T20WorldCup after New Zealand's match against England tonight for the birth of his second child.

NZ coach Rob Walter said Henry may return to the competition if the Blackcaps qualify for the semi-finals 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/X7UgBUsn0u

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 27, 2026

Before their group stage encounter against Canada, Lockie Ferguson took a break from his national duties after being granted paternity leave. On February 25, Ferguson returned to the team and played for the winning team in a Super 8 match against Sri Lanka.

ESPNcricinfo quotes Walter said, "Firstly, we're all very excited for Matt Henry and Holly on the arrival of their second child. It's a very significant moment for their family, and we're wishing them all the best. There's a lot of water to go under the bridge, but we're hopeful that the stars align for the team and for Matt and that we'll see him back competing in the final phases of the competition."

At the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, New Zealand chose to bat first after winning the toss. While England made a single change by replacing Jamie Overton with Rehan Ahmed, the Kiwis kept their starting lineup the same.

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