When you think of New Zealand cricket, names like Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, and Trent Boult often come to mind. But over the years, Matt Henry has quietly built a reputation as one of the Black Caps’ most reliable and underrated fast bowlers. With a blend of pace, accuracy, and an ability to strike at key moments, Henry has become a vital part of New Zealand’s cricketing story across formats.
Let’s take a closer look at his journey, career milestones, batting and bowling records, and why Matt Henry is so respected in the cricketing world.
Early Life and Introduction to Cricket
Born on December 14, 1991, in Christchurch, Canterbury, Matt Henry grew up in a country where fast bowling is part of cricketing tradition. Standing tall at 185 cm, he had the physical presence that naturally suited pace bowling.
From an early age, Henry gravitated toward being a bowler. His ability to hit the deck hard and generate movement earned him recognition in domestic cricket, paving the way for his debut on the international stage.
Player Profile at a Glance
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Name: Matt Henry
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Born: December 14, 1991 (age 33)
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Birthplace: Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
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Height: 185 cm
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Role: Bowler
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Batting Style: Right-handed bat
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Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium
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Country: New Zealand
Batting Career: The Underdog with the Bat
Although Henry is primarily a bowler, he has had his share of handy knocks—often when New Zealand needed someone to stick around or play a counter-attacking cameo.
Test Batting Stats
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Matches: 30
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Runs: 649
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Highest Score: 72
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Average: 18.03
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50s: 4
For someone batting in the lower order, scoring four half-centuries in Test cricket is no small feat. His gritty knocks have often frustrated opposition bowlers who thought they had the Black Caps wrapped up.
ODI Batting Stats
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Matches: 91
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Runs: 270
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Highest Score: 48
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Strike Rate: 93.11
In ODIs, Henry plays the role of a tail-ender who can add quick runs. That strike rate tells you he isn’t afraid to swing hard when required.
T20I Batting Stats
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Matches: 21
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Runs: 24
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Highest Score: 12
With fewer opportunities in T20Is, his role has mostly been restricted to bowling.
IPL Batting Stats
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Matches: 6
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Runs: 0
In the IPL, he hasn’t had a chance to showcase his batting, but with his Test record, it’s clear he can hang around if needed.
Bowling Career: Where Matt Henry Truly Shines
If Henry’s batting is about resilience, his bowling is all about precision and impact. He has carved out a reputation for delivering in crucial spells, especially with the new ball.
Test Bowling Stats
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Matches: 30
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Wickets: 120
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Best Figures: 7/23 (innings)
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Average: 29.84
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Economy: 3.18
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5-wicket hauls: 4
That 7/23 performance remains one of the standout moments of his Test career, reminding fans of his ability to single-handedly dismantle batting lineups.
ODI Bowling Stats
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Matches: 91
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Wickets: 165
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Best Figures: 5/30
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Average: 24.81
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Economy: 5.19
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5-wicket hauls: 3
Henry has been New Zealand’s go-to bowler in ODIs, particularly in ICC tournaments. His ability to maintain pressure and strike early often sets the tone for the innings.
T20I Bowling Stats
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Matches: 21
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Wickets: 27
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Best Figures: 3/32
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Average: 23.67
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Economy: 8.3
In the shortest format, Henry is not the most economical, but his knack for breakthroughs makes him a valuable T20 option.
IPL Bowling Stats
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Matches: 6
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Wickets: 2
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Best Figures: 1/28
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Average: 90.5
His IPL journey has been limited, but his international credentials show he has the skills to thrive in high-pressure leagues.
Career Timeline: Key Debuts and Highlights
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T20I Debut: vs Pakistan, Dec 4, 2014, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium
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Last T20I: vs Sri Lanka, Jan 2, 2025, at Saxton Oval
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Test Debut: vs England, May 21, 2015, at Lord’s
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Last Test: vs England, Dec 14, 2024, at Seddon Park
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ODI Debut: vs India, Jan 31, 2014, at Sky Stadium
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Last ODI: vs South Africa, Mar 5, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium
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IPL Debut: vs Kolkata Knight Riders, May 9, 2017, at PCA IS Bindra Stadium
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Last IPL Match: vs Mumbai Indians, May 17, 2024, at Wankhede Stadium
What Makes Matt Henry Stand Out?
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Consistency in ODIs – With 165 wickets at an average under 25, Henry is one of the most reliable ODI bowlers in the modern game.
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Big-Game Player – Henry has a knack for performing in ICC tournaments, often stepping up when New Zealand needs him most.
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All-Format Utility – Whether red ball or white ball, he adapts his line and length to conditions, a rare quality in modern cricket.
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Lower-Order Runs – His Test batting contributions have added depth to the Kiwi lineup.
Challenges and Setbacks
Henry’s career hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Injuries and fierce competition for spots in New Zealand’s pace attack (with the likes of Boult, Southee, and Ferguson) have sometimes limited his opportunities. Despite that, his resilience has kept him in contention across formats.
Also Read : Tom Latham Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Matt Henry’s Legacy in the Making
At 33, Henry is at a stage where his experience blends beautifully with his skills. He’s no longer just a promising fast bowler—he’s a proven match-winner who has the numbers to back it up.
For young cricketers, his journey is a lesson in patience, hard work, and grabbing opportunities when they come. For fans, Matt Henry represents the kind of player every team needs: reliable, selfless, and always ready to deliver.
Conclusion
Matt Henry might not always dominate the headlines, but his contribution to New Zealand cricket has been immense. From his fiery spells in Tests to his match-winning performances in ODIs, he has been a steady force in the Black Caps’ success.
As he continues to don the Kiwi jersey, Henry’s story is far from over. And if his past performances are anything to go by, we can expect more memorable spells and clutch performances in the years to come.
Whether you’re a stat-loving cricket fan or someone who just enjoys watching quality fast bowling, Matt Henry is a name you’ll want to remember.
