New Zealand captain Kane WIlliamson injured and retired hurt for 78 during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 between New Zealand and Bangladesh at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Friday, 13 October 2023. Copyright Photo: Raghavan Venugopal / www.photosport.nz Photo: Copyright © Photosport Ltd 2023 www.photosport.nz
The Black Caps are playing a waiting game at the Cricket World Cup as captain Kane Williamson has his left thumb X-rayed after dropping his bat in agony.
After seven months out with a knee injury, Williamson hit a fine 78 as New Zealand beat Bangladesh by eight wickets in Chennai.
New Zealand chased down the 245 run target in the 43rd over for their third straight win of the ICC tournament.
Williamson retired hurt on 78 after being struck on the left thumb while running between the wickets.
The ball was fired in from the fieldsman causing severe pain as it hit the sprinting skipper, before the physio came on to attend to the injury.
Williamson told SkySport the injury flared immediately but he's unsure about the severity of damage.
"It got a bit fat and colourful straight away so it made holding the bat a bit difficult," Williamson said.
"I've got a scan tomorrow so hopefully it's ok."
Williamson said his knee came through as he gave his team a pass mark for a "really nice" performance.
New Zealand captain Kane WIlliamson in action while batting during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 between New Zealand and Bangladesh at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Friday, 13 October 2023. Copyright Photo: Raghavan Venugopal / www.photosport.nz Photo: Copyright © Photosport Ltd 2023 www.photosport.nz
Batter Daryl Mitchell starred with 89 not out for the Black Caps, with Devon Conway hitting 45 at the top of the order.
Seamer Lockie Ferguson was awarded Player of the Match for his efforts with the ball in the first innings where he finished with figures of 3-49.
"On that surface the seam bowlers were really effective and for Lockie to get some reward today, he keeps running in and bowling with high pace," Williamson said.
"An outstanding effort from that seam attack and the spinners as well."
Meanwhile Trent Boult and Matt Henry took a pair of wickets each as Boult became the fastest Black Cap to reach 200 ODI wickets in his 107th match.
Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan picked up a quad injury while batting.
- RNZ