New Zealand scripted hat-trick of wins in the ongoing ODI World Cup after their comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai on October 13, Friday.
Riding on Mushfiqur Rahim's impressive 66 off 75, Bangladesh posted a under-par total of 245/9. Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell's fifties ensured New Zealand's easy victory over Bangladesh, clinching third third consecutive win in the tournament. After Williamson got retired hurt on 78 off 107 with eight fours and a six, Daryl Mitchell took the responsibility of steering the Kiwis home. Mitchell struck an unbeaten 89 off 67 which was decorated with six fours and four sixes.
Williamson made a resounding comeback after missing the initial two matches due to knee injury. He did play an impactful knock before getting retired hurt as a precaution after being hit on his left thumb while running between the wickets. Once again Williamson's injury gave Kiwis a major injury scare.
However, in the post match presentation Williamson gave an update on his newly picked thumb injury. He said," [on the knock to his thumb] Just made holding the bat a little tough. Secondary to the thumb (laughs)."
Earlier this year, Williamson suffered a massive setback during his first IPL match for Gujarat. Williamson ruptured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) while attempting to save a boundary against Chennai Super Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium, effectively ruling him out any cricket for nearly six months. But later he underwent a successful surgery to join New Zealand camp for the ODI World Cup.
Talking about the match against Bangladesh Williamson said,"The guys in the first half with the ball were excellent. Was nice to build partnerships and take it deep. Midway through the powerplay we thought we can hit the deck a little hard. Good competitive wicket. Really good team performance. Lockie was outstanding. The seam bowlers were really effective. He hasn't had the good fortune. Was nice to be out there and be part of some of the partnerships. Just scrapped through the new ball. Great team performance. Mitchell is a great contributor. He is a team first guy. He has been great to watch."
Meanwhile, New Zealand Cricket Board in a big update informed that Williamson will undergo an X-ray on his left thumb on October 14.
“Kane Williamson will have an X-ray on his left thumb tomorrow after being hit by the ball while running between the wickets in tonight's match against Bangladesh,” Blackcaps tweeted.
Trent Boult set the tone early by dismissing Litton Das without a score on the very first delivery. Bangladesh's early momentum was derailed, as they soon lost three more batsmen, seeing themselves precariously placed at 56/4. The duo of Mushfiqur Rahim and skipper Shakib Al Hasan stepped up, crafting a vital 94-run partnership to anchor the innings. Despite Shakib's commendable effort, an unforeseen injury affected his game, leading to his eventual dismissal after scoring a few boundaries. Rahim, consistently delivering with the bat, scored a notable 66 runs off 75 balls, marking his second successive half-century in this World Cup. Mahmudullah also played a pivotal role, adding a swift 41 runs from 49 balls, ensuring Bangladesh reached a competitive score of 245/9 in their stipulated 50 overs
Najmul Hossain Shanto who came in place of Shakib in the post match presentation said,"Shakib is going for his scans. We will know after that. We didn't bat well. We didn't start well. We batted poorly even in the last game in the first 10-15 overs. The wicket looks good. Some bounce with the new ball. We have to bat little responsibly. If we bat a little carefully in the first 10-15, then we can do well. Our pace bowlers did well. I think the biggest improvement has been our fast bowling department. We will have to bat well."
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