Dubai, March 2 (NationPress) After limiting India to 249/9 in the 2025 Champions Trophy Group A match on Sunday, New Zealand bowler Matt Henry stated that the primary focus of his team was to apply pressure on the lethal batters of the Rohit Sharma-led squad.

On a sluggish pitch at the Dubai International Stadium, Henry excelled once again, claiming 5-42 in his eight overs, maintaining an economy rate of 5.2. He struck early during the first power-play by dismissing Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, before taking down Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, and Mohammed Shami towards the end of the innings.

“The way we approached the game, exploiting the conditions early on and putting India under pressure was crucial. While we're pleased with the total, there's still a significant task ahead. The new ball offered some assistance. We managed to create pressure and secure wickets with it. (Our strategy was to) collectively apply pressure,” Henry remarked during the mid-innings discussion with broadcasters.

Henry now boasts an impressive record against India in ODIs, having taken 21 wickets in 11 matches at an economy rate of 4.48. Only three players – Shane Bond, Richard Hadlee, and Trent Boult - have achieved more five-wicket hauls for New Zealand than Henry.

“They possess some explosive batters at the top. Applying pressure on them was essential. There will be fluctuations on a pitch like this. We must handle the pressure; if we do, we have a strong chance,” he added, as New Zealand prepared to chase 250.

The victor of the India-New Zealand Group A encounter will face Australia in the semi-finals, while the losing team will take on South Africa in the other semi-final. South Africa and Australia have already secured their spots in the semi-finals as the top two teams in Group B.