Kane Williamson fractured his thumb during New Zealand’s Cricket World Cup victory over Bangladesh on Friday, an X-ray has revealed.
In his official return match after a seven-month absence due to a knee injury, Williamson scored 78 but retired injured late in the eight-wicket victory after suffering a freak injury when he was hit in the thumb by a throw from a Bangladesh defender.
The Black Caps captain was cautiously optimistic at the time, saying after the match: “I have a scan tomorrow… I hope everything is okay.” But New Zealand Cricket announced on Saturday morning that an X-ray had revealed a non-displaced fracture in his left thumb.
Williamson is expected to remain with the team in India and hopes to be available for the team’s final group matches in November before the semi-finals and final, if New Zealand progress further.
Tom Blundell will travel to India as reinforcement.
“Although this is disappointing news, the initial diagnosis has given us some optimism that he will still be able to play later in the group following a period of rest and rehabilitation,” the coach said. Chief Gary Stead.
“Kane is clearly an important part of our team and a world-class player and captain, so we will look to give him every opportunity possible to return to the tournament.”
Chasing 246 to win the match against Bangladesh in Chennai, Williamson batted superbly in his first competitive match since rupturing his knee ligaments in March. He had already shown promising form in New Zealand’s warm-up matches against Pakistan and South Africa, neither of which had official ODI status.
Williamson forged an 80-run partnership with Devon Conway (45) and anchored in the company of Daryl Mitchell (89no off 67 balls), who smashed the winning six with 43 balls to spare.
It was New Zealand’s third victory in three at the start of the tournament, following successes against holders England and the Netherlands, two matches in which Williamson did not play.
The Black Caps will be next to face Afghanistan on Wednesday.
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