Matt Henry Sets World Record as First Bowler to Achieve Feat
In a remarkable display of bowling, New Zealand’s Matt Henry has set a world record in T20 International cricket. This achievement occurred during the fourth T20I match against India on January 28, 2026, at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
Matt Henry’s Unique Achievement
Henry made history by dismissing India’s top-order batsman Abhishek Sharma on the very first ball of the innings. The wicket marked Henry as the first bowler ever to achieve this feat twice in the same bilateral T20I series.
Key Events
- Date: January 28, 2026
- Location: ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, India
- Opponent: India
In this particular match, Abhishek Sharma, who was ranked as the world’s number one T20I batter, entered the crease with high expectations. However, he was dismissed without scoring, falling victim to Henry’s bowling strategy. Caught by Devon Conway while attempting a big hit, Sharma’s golden duck provided Henry with his milestone.
Previous Record Mention
Prior to this match, on January 25, 2026, Henry also achieved a similar dismissal. He sent Sanju Samson back to the pavilion on the first ball of the innings in the third T20I, also held in India. This consistency made Matt Henry stand out in this series.
Comparison with Other Records
While Matt Henry holds this unique position in bilateral T20I series, it is noteworthy that Abdul Naser Baluch of Sweden has matched this achievement. Baluch dismissed two different batsmen on the first ball of innings in the 2023 Nordic Twenty20 Cup, showcasing that this talent is rare but not unprecedented.
Significance of the Record
This milestone not only highlights Henry’s exceptional bowling skills but also adds to his legacy in the world of cricket. His ability to make significant breakthroughs early in an innings is invaluable for his team.
Matt Henry’s record reinforces his status as one of cricket’s elite bowlers, with the ability to affect critical moments in matches. As the cricket community celebrates this achievement, it sets a high benchmark for future bowlers across formats.
