NZ vs BAN: Kane Williamson retires hurt, nasty blow on left thumb could be reason
Kane Williamson ultimately scored 78 runs off 107 balls, smashing 8 boundaries and a maximum.
Last Updated: 09.32 PM, Oct 13, 2023
New Zealand's regular captain, Kane Williamson, played a crucial knock on his return to the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 against Bangladesh. After Rachin Ravindra's departure for 9, Williamson entered the crease and while he initially struggled, scoring just a single run from 16 balls, he soon found his rhythm and established strong partnerships with Devon Conway (45) and later with Daryl Mitchell (63).
During his impressive batting display, in the 37.1st over, a direct hit caught Williamson short of his crease as he nudged the ball towards mid-off while attempting a risky single. He endured a thumb injury as the throw narrowly missed the stumps.
Although he received treatment and had his thumb taped, he decided to retire hurt after the 38.2nd over. Fatigue appeared to have set in, and many speculated that the thumb injury played a role in his decision, while his previously injured knee remained a concern. Williamson ultimately scored 78 runs off 107 balls, smashing 8 boundaries and a maximum.
In the match, Bangladesh managed to score just 245 runs and lost nine wickets after New Zealand elected to bowl first upon winning the toss. Bangladesh struggled early on, with Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson reducing them to 56 for four in the 13th over.
Skipper Shakib Al Hasan (40 off 51 balls) and his experienced teammate Mushfiqur Rahim (66 off 75) then formed a partnership of 96 runs for the fifth wicket, taking Bangladesh to 156 by the 30th over. However, Ferguson dismissed Shakib, claiming his third wicket. Matt Henry later dismissed Mushfiqur, making inroads into Bangladesh's lower order. Mahmudullah contributed an invaluable unbeaten 41 towards the end.