New Zealand seamer Matt Henry is widely regarded as one of the most underrated fast bowlers of the current generation. Known for his skill in moving the ball both ways, Henry has been an integral part of New Zealand’s renowned pace trio alongside Tim Southee and Trent Boult. we will explore the top five best bowling performances by Matt Henry in ODI cricket.
5. 4/27 vs Bangladesh, 2021, Wellington
Matt Henry displayed his exceptional bowling skills during the Wellington ODI in the 2021 series between Bangladesh and New Zealand. After New Zealand posted a modest total of 318 runs, their bowlers had a solid target to defend against the Bangladesh batting line-up.
Henry starred for the Kiwis with figures of 4/27, including the dismissals of captain Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das. The New Zealand bowlers bowled Bangladesh out for just 154 runs, securing a dominant 164-run victory.
4. 4/19 vs Sri Lanka, 2025, Wellington
In January 2025, Matt Henry put in a match-winning performance against Sri Lanka in Wellington.
The Kiwis took full advantage of the green pitch, dismissing Sri Lanka for just 178 runs. Henry delivered a sensational spell of 4/19, which included the crucial wicket of Chamindu Wickramasinghe, breaking a 48-run partnership.
New Zealand won the match by a commanding nine-wicket margin.
3. 5/42 vs India, 2025, Dubai
Henry’s most recent standout performance came during the final group match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Bowling first, Matt Henry led the New Zealand attack with figures of 5/42 against India. He dismissed Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, putting New Zealand in complete control of the game. Excellent catches from Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips further supported the bowling effort.
Thanks to Henry’s performance, New Zealand restricted India to 249/9.
2. 5/40 vs Sri Lanka, 2016, Mount Maunganui
Matt Henry’s second-best ODI figures of 5/40 came against Sri Lanka at Mount Maunganui in 2016.
He tore through the Sri Lankan batting order, recording his second five-wicket haul in ODIs. His efforts helped bowl Sri Lanka out for 258, while chasing a daunting target of 295.
Henry was named Player of the Match for his performance, which included key wickets such as Lahiru Thirimanne and Angelo Mathews.
1. 5/30 vs Pakistan, 2014, Abu Dhabi
Matt Henry’s best ODI bowling performance came in 2014 against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, where he took 5/30.
After New Zealand posted 275/4 in their first innings, Henry’s five-wicket haul, which included the important wickets of Younis Khan and Shahid Afridi, was the highlight of New Zealand’s bowling attack.
Supported well by Nathan McCullum, who claimed two wickets in nine overs, Henry’s effort led New Zealand to a comfortable 68-run victory.