NZ vs BAN: Watch: Kane Williamson Retires Hurt After Suffering Nasty Blow On Thumb

Kane Williamson made his much-awaited return to competitive cricket on Friday (October 13) against Bangladesh in the 11th match of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023.

The New Zealand skipper was out of action since March after suffering a knee injury during the first game of IPL 2023. He had to undergo surgery due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. His participation in the ongoing competition looked highly doubtful but he recovered just in time for the marquee event.

He missed New Zealand’s first two games and finally made his much-awaited return to action on Friday. And while the New Zealand batting superstar played a brilliant innings on his comeback, his stay at the crease ended in a disappointing manner.

Kane Williamson retires hurt:

Kane Williamson had to retire hurt after suffering a painful blow on his hand. The incident occurred on the first ball of the 38th over when a throw hit him flush on the gloves. He and Daryl Mitchell tried to steal a single after the former drove a Taskin Ahmed delivery towards the off stump.

And as he was about to enter the crease at the non-striker’s end, the throw from the fielder hit him on his gloves. Replays later showed that he was hit on the thumb and he had to seek medical attention. Kane Williamson faced two more balls before deciding to walk off.

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Before leaving the field, the New Zealand skipper played a fine knock of 78 runs. He walked out to bat after Rachin Ravindra departed cheaply and shared two crucial stands with Devon Conway and Mitchell to put his team in the driver’s seat.

At the time of writing this report, New Zealand were 227 for 2 after 41 overs while chasing 246. Mitchell and Glenn Phillips were unbeaten at the crease. The Black Caps are eyeing their third win in a row in the tournament.