New Zealand cricketer Matt Henry believes that despite their loss to Pakistan by 88 runs in the first T20I, his teammates have a lot to learn from the game. Despite New Zealand being bowled out for 94 in 15.3 overs while chasing Pakistan’s total of 182, Matt Henry emerged as the standout performer for Kiwi’s bowling attack with his hat-trick, making him only the fourth New Zealand bowler to achieve this feat in men’s T20Is.
Matt Henry shines with a hat-trick in T20I match
Matt Henry expressed in an exclusive conversation with the media after the first T20I that even though he was pleased to achieve the milestone of the T20I hat trick, it was disheartening to achieve it in a losing cause. He added that it is always a shame when a milestone like that is recorded in a losing cause, but it is a special one, and not many people have done it in New Zealand.
In the 13th over, Henry managed to break Pakistan’s momentum by taking the wickets of Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed in consecutive deliveries. Later in the 19th over, he completed his hat trick by dismissing Shaheen Afridi on the first ball. With 3/32, Henry achieved his personal best figures in T20Is.
When asked about the start of the series not being ideal for New Zealanders, Henry said that they are hopeful of making a comeback in the five-match series. He added that although it was not ideal to have a defeat like that in the first match, it is a five-match series, and they will be better in the next game.
Henry believes that the touring side’s tight schedule and limited opportunity to train ahead of the series are not a problem. He added that the challenge of international cricket is the busy schedule, and they cannot control it.
According to Henry, many players will learn valuable lessons from this game and apply them in their future matches. He also acknowledged that the team will have another match soon, so they need to quickly regroup and prepare for it.
Henry said that although his side was “really good in periods” in bowling, they can still adjust a little bit and be a little more accurate. He added that a couple of things can be tightened, but as a whole, it was good. The guys are going to learn a lot from the information they would have gathered from this wicket and take that into the next game plan for the next game.
During the first T20I, Henry expressed his admiration for the Lahore crowd, stating that they were “awesome” and full of passion. He added that their stay in Pakistan has been delightful, as the locals have been kind and welcoming.
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Although New Zealand suffered a defeat in the first T20I against Pakistan, Matt Henry’s hat trick was a memorable moment. Despite the loss, Henry believes that his team has a lot to learn from the game and is hopeful of making a comeback in the remaining matches of the series. With four more games to play, New Zealand has a chance to bounce back and show their mettle against Pakistan.
