After a massive 190-run loss to South Africa, New Zealand’s chances of reaching the World Cup 2023 semi-final are in jeopardy all of a sudden. New Zealand were already without the services of their captain Kane Williamson, speedster Lockie Ferguson, and Mark Chapman before the South Africa game. In Pune, Matt Henry and James Neesham got injured too making it a race against time to get a fully fit playing XI before facing Pakistan at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on November 4 in a must-win clash.
Long list of injured players
Williamson fractured his thumb during the run chase against Bangladesh and has warmed the benches for four games on the trot. He batted in the nets on October 31 but was not fully fit. There is a big question mark whether he will lead the side against Babar Azam's brigade. Chapman's calf injury also keeps him sidelined.
Meanwhile, Lockie Ferguson injured his Achilles during the clash against Australia in Dharamsala. Ferguson is yet to recover from the injury as well. However, the scans revealed that he did not do much damage to his heel and is expected to regain fitness before November 4.
Henry injured his right hamstring while bowling his sixth over against South Africa. He did not bowl after that and was taken for scans. He did brave the injury to come out and bat at no.11 to provide support to Glenn Phillips. He even hobbled between the wickets when the ball went towards the boundary. The latest update is that he will undergo an MRI scan and the extent of his injury will be ascertained in the next 24 hours.
Neesham who completed Henry's over after the latter got injured, also took a nasty hit to his right wrist. He was struck on the follow-through trying to stop the ball. An X-ray has cleared him of any broken bones but he did come out to bat at no.9 in the run chase against South Africa. He will be expected to recover before the match against Pakistan as well.
Fielding woes for Kiwis
It is yet to be seen whether New Zealand request the International Cricket Council (ICC) for a replacement if they face trouble fielding a fully fit side. Kyle Jamieson who had earlier travelled with the squad as a travelling reserve has gone back home too. Even if New Zealand manage to field a playing XI, they may face problems for substitute fielders. In this case, batting coach Luke Ronchi may field as a substitute. Also, despite having Tom Blundell with them, they will have to get permission from ICC to include him in the squad as someone’s replacement.
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