Matt Henry played a doting father to his new-born son back home and returned to help New Zealand reach the T20 World Cup final, all in a space of five days.

The pace spearhead returned figures of 2-34 in the Black Caps’ crushing nine-wicket win over South Africa in the first semi-final in Kolkata on Wednesday.

Opener Finn Allen blasted the fastest T20 World Cup hundred in 33 balls to lead his team into Sunday’s final in Ahmedabad, where they will face India or England.

Henry’s bowling effort was special after he rejoined the team late on the eve of the match.

He the took field less than 24 hours after he landed back in India after flying home for the birth of his second child after New Zealand’s last Super Eights match against England on 27 February.

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“There was a lot of sleep happening on the way back to be honest,” a smiling Henry told reporters.

“So yeah just focusing on my family to get home, that was important for me, and then it worked out that I could get back for the semi-final so it’s great to be here.”

Henry and his wife Holly Carran have welcomed a baby boy.

“They’re doing great so yeah it was pretty special to be able to get home for that,” said the 34-year-old.

“Obviously Holly’s doing really well and Jack’s really good as well and Annabelle’s enjoying being a big sister so it’s all good.”

ALLEN: Black Caps confident for final

New Zealand have reached their second T20 World Cup final. They lost the title clash to Australia in 2021 in the UAE.

“It’s pretty special to be able to reach another final, the guys are really excited but for now just enjoy this win,” said Henry.

“I think the guys have been playing some really good cricket.

“Finn was just unbelievable so we’ll enjoy that and then we can move on and get ready for what’s to come.”

– AFP

Photo: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images