(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] New Zealand registered their third consecutive win in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Friday against Bangladesh in Chennai. Bangladesh, managed to score only 245 runs while losing 9 wickets. The Black Caps, at their very best, chased down the target in just 42.5 overs.
However, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson got a blow on his hand while batting and had to undergo scans on his left thumb. Notably, Williamson missed the first two World Cup matches against England and the Netherlands due to recovering from a past injury.
While batting on 77, Williamson, on Taskin Ahmed’s delivery in the 38th over, attempted a risky single. He did manage to grab the single, but in the process, the ball thrown by a fielder hit Williamson’s thumb. He continued to bat from there with the help of a magic spray but didn’t last long on the crease and got retired hurt in the next over.
In a latest development, it has been confirmed that scans of Williamson’s thumb revealed a fracture. Furthermore, in the statement released by the New Zealand Cricket, it is stated that Tom Blundell is called up as a cover for Williamson. However, he will stay with the New Zealand squad in India as there is a possibility that he may get fit by the end of the group stage.
“An X-ray has confirmed an undisplaced fracture to Kane Williamson’s left thumb. He will remain in the @cricketworldcup squad with the aim of being available for the back end of pool play next month. Tom Blundell will travel to India as cover,” New Zealand Cricket tweeted.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed his disappointment about this.
“Firstly, we’re all feeling for Kane to have this occur after all his hard work to return from his knee injury,” Stead said.
“While it’s disappointing news, the initial diagnosis has given us some optimism he can still feature later in the pool play following a period of rest and rehabilitation. Kane is clearly a massive part of our side and a world-class player and captain – so we’ll look to give him every opportunity we can to return in the tournament,” he added.
Furthermore, the Bangladesh team also suffered a blow in the form of their captain, Shakib Al Hasan, who picked up an injury in his quads in the first innings while stealing a single. The star all-rounder left the field in the closing moments of the game and has been sent for scans.
New Zealand has their next World Cup match against Afghanistan on October 18 in Chennai, whereas Bangladesh will play against hosts India in Pune on October 19.