Matt Henry’s sensational spell against India in the fourth ODI on November 13, 2026 has once again brought back one of India’s most painful World Cup memories. It was the semi-final of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 where Henry had a big role to play as India got knocked out in heartbreaking fashion.
The veteran pacer bowled a fiery opening over at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer fell without scoring. Henry eventually got his career best six wicket haul as New Zealand ran out 244-run winners.
Matt Henry's 2019 World Cup Semi-Final Heroics
The 2019 World Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand is still one of the most memorable games in Indian cricket history.
Defending a target of 240 runs New Zealand turned to their pace attack to put India under pressure. Henry got the breakthrough by dismissing Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul while Trent Boult got Virat Kohli out.
India were 5/3 as their top order failed to cope with New Zealand bowling.
Henry finished with 3/37 in 10 overs and was Player of the Match. New Zealand went on to beat India by 18 runs to reach World Cup final.
Matt Henry's ODI Record Against India
Henry has troubled Indian batters in the 50-over format too. Before the fourth ODI on November 13, 2026 he had taken 21 wickets in 11 ODIs against India (best figures of 5/42).
His latest performance has taken his tally to 27 wickets in 12 ODI appearances against India. His best figures are now 6/27 so the fourth ODI is another landmark for him in his career.
He also has several impressive spells against India:
- 4/38 on ODI debut against India in January 2014.
- 4/35 against India in February 2019.
- 3/37 in the 2019 World Cup semi-final.
- 5/42 in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
- 6/27 in the fourth ODI in November 2026.
These performances show he can trouble India’s batting line up in all conditions and tournaments.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Among His Key Victims
Two of India’s biggest batting stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have also struggled against Henry.
His movement with the new ball has often made life difficult for right-handers. In the fourth ODI he got both batsmen out for ducks and added another memorable chapter to his record against India.
The dismissal of Rohit on the first ball and Kohli later in the same over immediately brought back memories of 2019 semi-final.
Shreyas Iyer also became Henry’s third victim in that first over and India were 0/3.
Why Matt Henry Is Such a Threat to India
Henry’s biggest strength is his accuracy combined with movement. He challenges batters outside their comfort zone all the time with balls that move away or come back sharply.
His reliability with the new ball means New Zealand don’t have to rely completely on middle-over breakthroughs — they can attack early.
The fourth ODI was another example of how effective his bowling can be against India’s top order.
Can India Find an Answer to Matt Henry?
Matt Henry is one of New Zealand’s most dangerous fast bowlers against India. From his ODI debut in 2014 to semi-final at the World Cup in 2019 and Champions Trophy in 2025, he has been in form time and again.
His latest six-wicket haul has only strengthened that reputation further.
For India it will be finding a way to deal with Henry’s early movement and not losing wickets in clusters in future games. For New Zealand Henry is still a weapon whenever these two sides meet.
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