Wed, Jul 15, 2026
Wed, Jul 15, 2026
World Cup 2023: Williamson stars on return as New Zealand cruise past Bangladesh
Kane Williamson retired hurt after hitting a fine 78 on his return as New Zealand beat Bangladesh by eight wickets in Chennai.
After seven months out with a knee injury, the Black Caps skipper started slowly but soon found his rhythm before a blow to the thumb forced him off.
Daryl Mitchell struck an unbeaten 89 to lead New Zealand past their target of 246 with 7.1 overs to spare.
A third win in as many games takes the Kiwis back to the top of the group.
But they will hope the injury to Williamson, suffered when a throw hit him as he ran through for a quick single, does not prove too serious.
Despite that worry, this was another strong all-round performance, with the bowling attack quickly putting Bangladesh under pressure.
Lockie Ferguson took 3-49 and Trent Boult claimed his 200th one-day international wicket before the Black Caps batters put on another clinical display.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh stay sixth after a second loss in three games and also have fitness concerns over their captain, with Shakib Al Hasan limping off before the end.
The all-rounder appeared to sustain the leg injury while batting as he and Mushfiqur Rahim shared a stand of 96 to lead a recovery from 56-4.
However, once they departed, the momentum was lost again and Bangladesh could not claw their way to a total that would challenge New Zealand. (BBC)