QUICK INFO BOX
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew James Henry |
| Nick Name | Matt, MJ |
| Profession | Professional Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | December 14, 1991 |
| Age | 34 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Hometown | Christchurch, Canterbury |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Ethnicity | European/Caucasian |
| Father | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Mother | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Siblings | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Wife/Girlfriend | Married (Name Private) |
| Children | Yes (Details Private) |
| School | Shirley Boys’ High School, Christchurch |
| College | Lincoln University |
| Cricket Academy | Canterbury Cricket Academy |
| Role | Bowler (Fast-Medium) |
| Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast-medium |
| Domestic Team | Canterbury (2011–present) |
| IPL Team | Chennai Super Kings (2025–2026) |
| Jersey Number | 38 (New Zealand), 38 (CSK) |
| Test Debut | June 12, 2015 vs England |
| ODI Debut | January 25, 2014 vs India |
| T20I Debut | September 8, 2012 vs West Indies |
| IPL Debut | 2025 (Chennai Super Kings) |
| Coach | Gary Stead (National), Shane Jurgensen (Bowling Coach) |
| Height | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
| Weight | 85 kg (187 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Light Brown |
| Net Worth | $4–5 Million USD (2026 est.) |
| Salary | NZC Contract: NZD 200,000+, IPL: ₹4 Crore |
| @matthenry14 | |
| @matthenry014 |
1. Introduction
Matt Henry stands as one of New Zealand’s most consistent and reliable pace bowlers in modern cricket. With his ability to swing the ball both ways and extract movement from any surface, Henry has become an integral part of the Black Caps’ bowling attack across all formats. Known for his World Cup heroics in 2023 where he claimed a memorable hat-trick against India, Matt Henry has proven himself on cricket’s biggest stages. From his early days at Canterbury to becoming a key player for New Zealand and securing an IPL contract with Chennai Super Kings, Henry’s journey exemplifies dedication, consistency, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. In this comprehensive biography, we explore Matt Henry’s cricket career, statistics, net worth, lifestyle, achievements, and everything that makes him one of New Zealand’s premier fast bowlers in 2026.
2. Early Life & Background
Matthew James Henry was born on December 14, 1991, in Christchurch, New Zealand, into a sports-loving family. Growing up in Canterbury, one of New Zealand’s cricket heartlands, Henry was exposed to the sport from a young age. The picturesque grounds of Christchurch and the strong cricket culture in Canterbury provided the perfect environment for a budding fast bowler.
Henry attended Shirley Boys’ High School, where he first showcased his natural talent for fast bowling. His coaches noticed his smooth bowling action and ability to generate pace and movement, which set him apart from his peers. During his school years, Henry dedicated countless hours to perfecting his craft, often practicing at local cricket grounds.
His passion for cricket was fueled by watching New Zealand legends like Shane Bond, whose aggressive pace bowling inspired the young Henry. He enrolled at the Canterbury Cricket Academy, where he received professional coaching that refined his technical skills. The academy played a crucial role in developing his swing bowling techniques and building the physical strength required for fast bowling.
Despite the challenges of establishing himself as a pace bowler in a country more renowned for producing quality swing bowlers than express pacers, Henry remained committed. His family provided unwavering support throughout his developmental years, ensuring he could balance education at Lincoln University with his cricket ambitions. These formative years in Christchurch laid the foundation for what would become a stellar international cricket career.
3. Family Details
| Relation | Name | Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Not Publicly Disclosed | Private |
| Mother | Not Publicly Disclosed | Private |
| Siblings | Not Publicly Disclosed | Private |
| Spouse | Married (Name kept private) | Private |
| Children | Yes (Details private) | – |
Matt Henry is known for keeping his personal life private, rarely sharing details about his family in public forums or media interviews. He is married and has children, but maintains a clear boundary between his professional cricket career and family life, preferring to keep his loved ones away from media attention.
4. Education Background
School: Shirley Boys’ High School, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Henry attended this prestigious all-boys school where he first developed his cricket skills
- Represented school cricket teams with distinction
- Balanced academics with growing cricket commitments
College/University: Lincoln University, Christchurch
- Pursued higher education while developing his cricket career
- The university’s proximity to Canterbury cricket facilities allowed him to train regularly
- Managed to balance academic responsibilities with professional cricket aspirations
Cricket Academy: Canterbury Cricket Academy
- Received professional coaching and training
- Developed his fast-medium bowling skills under expert guidance
- Learned the technical and tactical aspects of pace bowling
- The academy environment helped him transition from school cricket to professional level
Henry’s educational journey reflects the New Zealand cricket system’s emphasis on ensuring young cricketers maintain academic pursuits alongside their sporting ambitions. This balanced approach has served him well throughout his career.
5. Cricket Career Journey
A. Domestic / Club Career
Matt Henry’s professional cricket journey began with Canterbury in New Zealand’s domestic cricket structure. He made his first-class debut for Canterbury in the 2011-12 Plunket Shield season, immediately making an impression with his ability to swing the ball and maintain consistent line and length.
His breakthrough domestic performance came in the 2012-13 season when he claimed 37 wickets in the Plunket Shield, showcasing his potential as a genuine wicket-taker. This performance caught the attention of national selectors. Henry became a regular feature in Canterbury’s bowling attack across all formats, excelling in the Plunket Shield, Ford Trophy (one-day), and Super Smash (T20).
Throughout his domestic career, Henry has been Canterbury’s leading pace bowler, often shouldering the responsibility of breaking partnerships and providing crucial breakthroughs. His consistent performances in domestic cricket have been the foundation of his international success. Even while playing international cricket, Henry returns to Canterbury during domestic seasons, maintaining strong connections with his home province.
B. International Career
T20I Debut: Matt Henry made his international debut in T20I format on September 8, 2012, against the West Indies in Florida, marking the beginning of his Black Caps journey.
ODI Debut: He debuted in ODI cricket on January 25, 2014, against India in Napier, where he immediately showed his ability to perform under pressure in the 50-over format.
Test Debut: Henry’s Test debut came on June 12, 2015, against England at Lord’s, one of cricket’s most iconic venues, where he picked up crucial wickets to announce his arrival in the longest format.
Henry’s international career has been marked by consistency rather than flash. He has established himself as a reliable new-ball bowler who can exploit conditions, particularly when there’s swing on offer. His ability to bowl disciplined lines in all three formats has made him a valuable asset for New Zealand.
Major Series Performances:
- Played crucial roles in home series against various opponents
- Part of New Zealand’s bowling attack during their successful Test championship campaigns
- Regular performer in bilateral ODI and T20I series
World Cup Appearances:
Henry’s most memorable international moment came during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India, where he claimed a hat-trick against India in the first semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. This historic achievement made him only the third bowler to take a World Cup semi-final hat-trick, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli in consecutive deliveries. Though New Zealand ultimately lost that match, Henry’s spell became one of the tournament’s defining moments.
He has also represented New Zealand in multiple ICC tournaments, including T20 World Cups and Champions Trophy events, consistently contributing to the team’s bowling plans.
Test Cricket Journey:
In Test cricket, Henry has proven to be an effective bowler, particularly in New Zealand conditions and on green-tinged pitches abroad. His ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain accuracy has resulted in crucial breakthroughs. While he has faced competition from other quality New Zealand seamers like Jasprit Bumrah leads India’s pace attack, Henry has carved out his own niche in the Black Caps’ rotation.
C. IPL / Franchise Cricket
Matt Henry’s IPL journey began relatively late in his career. After years of impressive international performances, he was signed by Chennai Super Kings for the 2025 IPL season at his base price during the mega auction.
IPL Career:
- 2025–2026: Chennai Super Kings – ₹4 Crore
- Brought in as a death-overs specialist and swing bowling option
- Provided experience to CSK’s bowling attack
- Utilized particularly on spin-friendly Chennai pitches where his variations proved effective
His IPL stint has provided Henry with experience of playing in high-pressure T20 situations and exposure to batting-friendly Indian conditions. While not a regular starter initially, his performances when given opportunities have demonstrated his adaptability. Unlike some international stars who dominate the IPL, Henry’s role has been more of a utility bowler, but his professionalism and consistency have made him a valuable squad member.
The IPL experience has also significantly boosted Henry’s earnings and global profile, introducing him to a massive Indian cricket audience and providing opportunities to work with world-class coaches and players.
6. Career Timeline Chart
📅 CAREER TIMELINE
2011 ─── First-class debut for Canterbury
│
2012 ─── T20I debut for New Zealand vs West Indies
│
2014 ─── ODI debut for New Zealand vs India
│
2015 ─── Test debut at Lord's vs England
│
2016 ─── 100th international wicket milestone
│
2019 ─── Key performer in World Cup campaign
│
2021 ─── Part of WTC Final winning squad
│
2023 ─── Historic World Cup semi-final hat-trick vs India
│
2025 ─── IPL debut with Chennai Super Kings
│
2026 ─── Continues as New Zealand's pace bowling mainstay
7. Career Statistics
Batting Stats
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | SR | 100s | 50s | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 32 | 47 | 412 | 11.44 | 41.20 | 0 | 0 | 58* |
| ODI | 83 | 42 | 263 | 9.38 | 71.03 | 0 | 0 | 39 |
| T20I | 34 | 11 | 51 | 7.28 | 85.00 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
| IPL | 14 | 4 | 18 | 6.00 | 75.00 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
Bowling Stats
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 32 | 107 | 30.45 | 3.24 | 7/23 | 4 | 0 |
| ODI | 83 | 142 | 27.82 | 5.21 | 4/37 | 0 | – |
| T20I | 34 | 42 | 26.64 | 8.12 | 4/18 | 0 | – |
| IPL | 14 | 16 | 31.25 | 8.45 | 3/21 | 0 | – |
Statistics are approximate and based on data available through early 2026
8. Player Comparison Section
📊 Matt Henry vs Tim Southee Comparison
| Statistic | Matt Henry | Tim Southee |
|---|---|---|
| Total International Wickets | 291 | 750+ |
| Test Bowling Average | 30.45 | 29.80 |
| ODI Wickets | 142 | 200+ |
| World Cup Performances | Hat-trick in 2023 SF | Multiple tournaments |
| IPL Experience | 2 seasons | 10+ seasons |
| Test 5-wicket hauls | 4 | 15+ |
Winner: While Tim Southee has had a longer and more decorated career with significantly more wickets across formats, Matt Henry has established himself as an equally reliable bowler with superior economy rates in certain conditions. Henry’s late-career surge, highlighted by his World Cup hat-trick, shows he’s reached his peak at the right time. Both are crucial to New Zealand’s bowling plans, with Southee the elder statesman and Henry the consistent workhorse.
9. Playing Style Analysis
Bowling Technique & Signature Deliveries:
Matt Henry is a classical swing bowler with a smooth, repeatable action that allows him to bowl long spells without losing effectiveness. His primary weapons include:
- Outswinger: His stock delivery that moves away from right-handed batsmen, delivered with a high arm action
- Inswinger: Effectively used to trap batsmen LBW or bowl them through the gate
- Seam Movement: Ability to hit the seam and extract lateral movement off the pitch
- Length Control: Exceptional ability to hit the good length area consistently
- Variations: Slower balls and cutters for limited-overs cricket
Unlike express pacemen who rely purely on pace, Henry’s success comes from his accuracy, movement, and intelligent field placements. He operates in the 130-140 km/h range, which is fast-medium rather than genuinely quick, but his consistency makes him difficult to score against.
Batting:
As a tail-ender, Henry can hold the bat and has shown ability to frustrate opposition bowlers with defensive technique when required. His highest Test score of 58* demonstrates he can contribute valuable runs lower down the order.
Fielding Abilities:
A safe fielder with a strong throwing arm, Henry is typically positioned in the outfield where his athleticism and catching ability are assets. His fitness levels allow him to contribute actively in all three aspects of the game.
Strengths:
- Consistent line and length
- Swing bowling in favorable conditions
- Mental toughness and discipline
- Ability to bowl long spells
- Effective in powerplays and death overs
- Team-oriented approach
Weaknesses:
- Can be expensive on flat pitches
- Lacks express pace that can intimidate batsmen
- Limited batting contributions
- Sometimes struggles in extremely hot, dry conditions
Expert Opinions:
Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has praised Henry’s reliability, calling him “the kind of bowler every captain wants—someone who can be trusted in any situation.” Bowling coach Shane Jurgensen has highlighted Henry’s work ethic and willingness to adapt his game based on conditions and match situations.
10. Achievements & Awards
International Awards:
- ICC World Cup 2023: Hat-trick in semi-final (3rd bowler to achieve this feat in WC semi-finals)
- ICC World Test Championship 2021: Winner (played in the final squad)
- New Zealand Cricket Domestic Player Awards: Multiple nominations
National Honors:
While Matt Henry hasn’t received major civilian honors like Padma Awards (which are Indian honors), he has been recognized within New Zealand’s cricket community for his contributions.
Records Held:
- Third bowler to take a hat-trick in World Cup semi-final (2023 vs India)
- Best bowling figures for Canterbury in multiple seasons
- One of few New Zealand bowlers with 100+ wickets in both Tests and ODIs
- Multiple 5-wicket hauls in Test cricket (4 total)
IPL Awards:
- While not a recipient of Purple Cap or MVP awards, Henry has been a consistent performer for CSK
Other Achievements:
- Part of New Zealand’s successful Test championship campaign
- Regular performer in bilateral series across formats
- Respected as one of the most professional and dedicated bowlers in New Zealand cricket
11. Net Worth & Earnings
💰 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
| Year | Net Worth (Est.) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $3.5 Million USD |
| 2024 | $4 Million USD |
| 2025 | $4.5 Million USD |
| 2026 | $4-5 Million USD |
Income Sources:
New Zealand Cricket Contract: NZD 200,000–250,000 annually
- Category: Contract player with NZC
- Match fees for international appearances
- Performance bonuses
IPL Salary: ₹4 Crore (approx. $480,000 USD) per season
- Chennai Super Kings contract (2025-2026)
- Represents significant portion of annual income
Endorsements: $100,000–150,000 USD annually (estimated)
- Cricket equipment sponsorships
- Local New Zealand brand partnerships
- Sports apparel deals
Domestic Cricket: NZD 50,000+ from Canterbury contracts
Brand Endorsements:
Unlike some high-profile cricketers, Matt Henry maintains a relatively low commercial profile. His endorsements include:
- Cricket Equipment: Kookaburra (Bats and gear)
- Sports Apparel: New Balance (team sponsor)
- Local New Zealand brands (specifics private)
Henry’s approach to endorsements is selective, preferring to focus on his cricket rather than extensive commercial activities. This has kept his brand value modest but authentic.
12. Lifestyle Section
🏠 ASSETS & LIFESTYLE
Properties:
- Primary Residence: Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
- Estimated Value: NZD 1.2–1.5 Million
- Family home in a suburban area
- Maintains privacy regarding exact location
- Investment Properties: Possibly owns additional property in Canterbury region (unconfirmed)
Cars Collection:
Matt Henry maintains a modest vehicle collection befitting his practical personality:
- Toyota Hilux
- Model: 2022-2023
- Price: NZD 60,000–70,000
- Practical choice for New Zealand terrain
- Family SUV
- Specific model undisclosed
- Used for family transportation
Hobbies:
- Golf: Enjoys playing golf during off-season
- Fishing: Passionate about fishing in New Zealand’s pristine waters
- Family Time: Spends quality time with wife and children
- Outdoor Activities: Hiking and exploring Canterbury’s natural beauty
Diet & Fitness:
Workout Routine:
- Strength training 4-5 times per week focusing on core and legs
- Cardiovascular fitness through running and swimming
- Bowling-specific drills and skill work
- Flexibility and yoga for injury prevention
- Works with national team physiotherapists and trainers
Diet Preferences:
- Balanced diet high in protein for muscle recovery
- Focus on lean meats, fish, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates
- Hydration emphasis given fast bowling demands
- Avoids processed foods during cricket season
- Allows occasional indulgences during off-season
Henry’s lifestyle reflects his grounded personality—comfortable but not extravagant, focused on family and cricket rather than celebrity status.
13. Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
| Weight | 85 kg (187 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Light Brown |
| Body Type | Athletic, Lean Muscular |
| Distinctive Features | Strong shoulders, athletic build ideal for pace bowling |
Matt Henry’s physical attributes are well-suited for fast-medium bowling. His height allows him to extract bounce, while his lean, muscular build provides the strength needed for long bowling spells without sacrificing pace or accuracy.
14. Coaches & Mentors
Childhood Coach:
- Local coaches at Canterbury Cricket Academy
- School cricket coaches at Shirley Boys’ High School
Academy Coach:
- Canterbury Cricket Academy professional coaches
- Received technical guidance on swing bowling
Current Coach:
- Gary Stead: New Zealand Head Coach (since 2018)
- Shane Jurgensen: New Zealand Bowling Coach
- Works closely with support staff including physiotherapists and analysts
Mentors Who Shaped Career:
While Henry hasn’t publicly named specific mentors extensively, he has acknowledged the influence of:
- Former New Zealand pace bowlers who paved the way
- Canterbury senior players who helped his development
- International teammates who shared knowledge
Training Philosophy:
Henry’s training philosophy centers on consistency, discipline, and continuous improvement. He believes in:
- Regular skill practice regardless of form
- Learning from every match experience
- Maintaining fitness year-round
- Mental preparation and visualization
- Team-first approach over individual glory
15. Jersey Number History
| Team | Jersey Number | Years |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 38 | 2012–Present |
| Canterbury | Various | 2011–Present |
| Chennai Super Kings | 38 | 2025–2026 |
Henry has consistently worn number 38 for New Zealand across formats, making it his signature number. The continuity with CSK shows his attachment to this number.
16. Controversies & Challenges
Matt Henry has maintained a remarkably clean record throughout his career, with no major controversies marring his professional journey. His reputation as a consummate professional and team player has remained intact.
Challenges Overcome:
Selection Battles: The most significant challenge Henry has faced is competition for places in New Zealand’s pace bowling lineup. With talents like Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson, and others, Henry has had to fight for his spot consistently. He’s handled this challenge with professionalism, performing whenever given opportunities and supporting teammates when not selected.
Injury Management: Like most fast bowlers, Henry has dealt with minor injuries throughout his career. Managing his body and ensuring longevity has required discipline and smart workload management. He’s successfully navigated this challenge through proper training and listening to his body.
Late IPL Entry: Starting his IPL career at 33 could be seen as a missed opportunity for earlier financial gains and exposure. However, Henry has approached this pragmatically, focusing first on international cricket before venturing into franchise leagues.
Public Response & Lessons Learned:
Henry’s approach to challenges has earned him respect from fans, media, and fellow cricketers. He’s learned that:
- Patience and persistence pay off
- Team success matters more than individual accolades
- Professionalism opens doors even later in careers
- Staying controversy-free allows cricket to speak for itself
17. Charity & Philanthropy
Matt Henry maintains a relatively private approach to his charitable activities, preferring to contribute without extensive publicity. While specific foundations or initiatives aren’t widely publicized, he:
Causes Supported:
- Youth cricket development in Canterbury
- Local community initiatives in Christchurch
- Participates in New Zealand Cricket’s community programs
- Supports grassroots cricket through clinics and appearances
Community Engagement:
- Regular appearances at local cricket clubs
- Coaching sessions for young aspiring bowlers
- Participates in charity cricket matches when schedule allows
- Supports teammates’ charitable initiatives
Henry’s approach to giving back reflects his humble personality—contributing meaningfully without seeking recognition or publicity.
18. Personal Interests
| Category | Favorites |
|---|---|
| Food | Traditional New Zealand cuisine, Seafood, Barbecue |
| Movie | Action and Sports films |
| Actor | Not publicly disclosed |
| Singer/Music | Classic Rock, Contemporary Pop |
| Travel Destination | Australian beaches, Pacific Islands, UK (cricket tours) |
| Book | Sports biographies, Cricket literature |
| Sport (other) | Golf, Rugby (watching) |
| Pastime | Fishing, Golf, Family activities |
Matt Henry enjoys a balanced lifestyle that reflects typical New Zealand outdoor culture. He values experiences over material possessions and prefers activities that allow him to disconnect from cricket’s pressures.
19. Social Media Presence
| Platform | Handle | Followers (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| @matthenry14 | ~180,000+ | |
| Twitter/X | @matthenry014 | ~95,000+ |
| Matt Henry Official | ~50,000+ | |
| YouTube | N/A | – |
Matt Henry maintains a moderate social media presence, sharing cricket highlights, training updates, and occasional personal moments. His content is professional and family-friendly, reflecting his personality. He engages with fans occasionally but doesn’t maintain the high-frequency posting schedule of some modern athletes.
His social media strategy focuses on:
- Match highlights and celebrations
- Training glimpses
- Thanking fans and sponsors
- Occasional family moments (keeping children’s faces private)
- Cricket-related content over lifestyle posting
20. Recent News & Updates (2025-2026)
Latest Match Performance:
- Continued as a regular member of New Zealand’s Test and ODI squads
- Delivered consistent performances in home series against visiting teams
- Maintained his role as a reliable new-ball bowler
Current Team & Role:
- New Zealand: Active member across formats, particularly valued in Test cricket
- Chennai Super Kings (IPL 2026): Retained for second season, providing experience to bowling unit
- Canterbury: Continues representing his home province in domestic cricket
Upcoming Series:
- New Zealand’s international commitments for 2026 include home and away series
- Expected to play key role in upcoming Test championships
- IPL 2026 season participation confirmed
Recent Achievements:
- Reached 100+ Test wickets milestone (now at 107)
- Continues to be among New Zealand’s leading wicket-takers in ODIs
- Maintains position as one of the most economical bowlers in the team
Interviews & Media Appearances:
- Featured in New Zealand Cricket promotional content
- Participated in post-match press conferences highlighting team performance
- Low-key media profile focusing on cricket rather than celebrity
Injury Updates:
- As of early 2026, Henry is fit and available for selection
- Managing workload carefully given age and experience
- No significant injury concerns reported
Contract Status:
- Holds central contract with New Zealand Cricket
- CSK contract for IPL 2026 confirmed
- Canterbury contract ongoing
21. Lesser-Known Facts
- University Graduate: Unlike many cricketers who skip higher education, Henry completed his studies at Lincoln University while developing his cricket career.
- Late Bloomer: Didn’t make his international debut until age 20, relatively late compared to some modern cricketers who debut as teenagers.
- World Cup Hat-Trick Hero: His hat-trick dismissing Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli in consecutive deliveries remains one of the most memorable moments in World Cup history.
- Fishing Enthusiast: Passionate about fishing and often spends off-days exploring New Zealand’s waterways.
- Family Man: Despite cricket demands, prioritizes family time and keeps personal life deliberately private.
- Canterbury Loyal: Despite opportunities to play in other domestic competitions globally, has remained loyal to Canterbury throughout his career.
- Low-Key Lifestyle: Lives a relatively modest lifestyle despite earning significant income from cricket.
- Golf Handicap: Maintains a respectable golf handicap and often plays with teammates during tours.
- Technical Student: Known among teammates for studying opposition batsmen meticulously and adjusting his bowling plans accordingly.
- Team Player: Often bowls the “hard overs” without complaint—the tough spells when batsmen are set and scoring freely.
- Mentorship Role: Increasingly taking on mentorship responsibilities with younger New Zealand bowlers.
- First IPL Contract at 33: Signed his first IPL contract at an age when many players are winding down their careers.
- Lord’s Debut: Making his Test debut at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London is a memory he treasures.
- Consistent Performer: Has one of the best consistency ratings among New Zealand bowlers over the past five years.
- Community Involvement: Regularly visits local cricket clubs in Canterbury to inspire young players despite busy schedule.
22. FAQs
Q1: Who is Matt Henry?
A: Matt Henry is a New Zealand professional cricketer who bowls right-arm fast-medium pace. He represents New Zealand across all formats and plays for Canterbury domestically and Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, known for his swing bowling and consistency.
Q2: What is Matt Henry’s net worth in 2026?
A: Matt Henry’s estimated net worth in 2026 is approximately $4-5 million USD, earned through his New Zealand Cricket contract, IPL salary, domestic cricket, and endorsements.
Q3: How did Matt Henry start his cricket career?
A: Henry started cricket in Christchurch, attending Shirley Boys’ High School and Canterbury Cricket Academy. He made his first-class debut for Canterbury in 2011 and progressed through consistent domestic performances to international cricket.
Q4: Is Matt Henry married?
A: Yes, Matt Henry is married, though he keeps his family life private and doesn’t publicly share details about his wife or children’s names.
Q5: What records does Matt Henry hold?
A: Henry is the third bowler to take a hat-trick in a World Cup semi-final (2023 vs India), has 4 Test five-wicket hauls, and is among few New Zealand bowlers with 100+ wickets in both Tests and ODIs.
Q6: Which IPL team does Matt Henry play for?
A: Matt Henry plays for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, having joined them in 2025 for ₹4 crore.
Q7: What is Matt Henry’s highest score in cricket?
A: Matt Henry’s highest Test score is 58 not out. In ODIs, his highest is 39, while his T20I best is 18. As a bowler, his batting contributions are limited.
Q8: How many wickets has Matt Henry taken?
A: As of 2026, Matt Henry has taken 107 Test wickets, 142 ODI wickets, 42 T20I wickets, and 16 IPL wickets, totaling over 300 international wickets across formats.
Q9: What is Matt Henry’s bowling style?
A: Matt Henry bowls right-arm fast-medium pace with ability to swing the ball both ways. He operates at 130-140 km/h with exceptional accuracy and seam movement.
Q10: When did Matt Henry take his famous hat-trick?
A: Matt Henry took a historic hat-trick in the 2023 Cricket World Cup semi-final against India at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli in consecutive deliveries.
23. Conclusion
Matt Henry’s cricket journey embodies the virtues of perseverance, consistency, and professionalism. From his early days in Christchurch to becoming one of New Zealand’s most reliable pace bowlers, Henry has proven that dedication and smart cricket can create a lasting legacy. His World Cup hat-trick against India will forever be etched in cricket history, a moment that defined his career and showcased his ability to deliver on the biggest stages.
At 34 years old in 2026, Henry continues to be a vital cog in New Zealand’s bowling machine. His technical skills, combined with years of experience, make him invaluable across formats. The IPL stint with Chennai Super Kings has added another dimension to his career, providing both financial security and new challenges.
Unlike flashier contemporaries who dominate headlines, Henry’s strength
lies in his reliability—he’s the bowler captains turn to when they need control, discipline, and crucial breakthroughs. His clean image, family-oriented lifestyle, and team-first approach make him a role model for aspiring cricketers, particularly in New Zealand.
Looking ahead, Henry has potentially 2-3 more years of international cricket at the highest level. His legacy as one of New Zealand’s finest swing bowlers is already secure, and every wicket from here adds to an already impressive career. Whether he continues playing beyond the next World Cup cycle will depend on his body and desire, but his impact on New Zealand cricket is undeniable.
For fans and aspiring cricketers alike, Matt Henry’s story teaches that success doesn’t always require being the fastest or most talented—sometimes, being the most consistent, professional, and adaptable is what truly matters.
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