Black Caps batter Daryl Mitchell has been ruled out of the T20 tri-series in Christchurch after fracturing his hand during training.
Daryl Mitchell of New Zealand batting against Australia in the first Chappell-Hadlee game in Cairns 2022. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The all-rounder sustained a blow to his right-hand while batting in the nets on Friday, with an X-ray later revealing a fracture to his fifth metacarpal (pinkie finger).
Mitchell's hand had been placed in a cast, which would need to remain on for at least two weeks.
Coach Gary Stead said time was needed to consider Mitchell's availability for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with the squad set to depart for Australia on October 15.
"It's a real shame for Daryl to suffer this injury on the eve of an exciting period of cricket for the side.
"Daryl's become a really important player to our T20 unit and we're certainly going to miss his all-round skills and versatility in the tri-series."
Mitchell's replacement in the Tri-Series squad was to be confirmed.
The Black Caps open their tri-series campaign against Pakistan at Hagley Oval on Saturday night.
Meanwhile the tri-series started on Friday with Pakistan wrapping up a 21-run win over Bangladesh.
Led by wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan posted 167-5 after losing the toss and being sent in to bat first.
Rizwan hit seven fours and two sixes to finish 78 not out from just 50 balls, with Shan Masood (31) captain Babar Azam (22) also contibuting.
Bangladesh's chase never really gathered the momentum it needed to overhaul the winning target.
It meant an entertaining 42 from only 21 balls late in the piece from Yasir Ali wasn't enough to hit his side to victory.
Litton Das (35) and Atif Hossain (25) were the other top-scorers as they finished on 146-8.