The PAK vs NZ World Cup warm-up game on Friday marked the return of New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson. The 33-year-old, who is still nursing a knee injury, scored a fluent fifty on his return to competitive cricket.
During Pakistan’s innings in first half, Williamson was seen carrying drinks for his teammates and looked comfortable while walking. The batter also gave a positive glimpse on his recovery while batting as he faced 50 balls for his 54 runs before retiring out.
Earlier today, New Zealand management confirmed that Williamson will miss the opening game but added that the skipper will play a batter-only role in the warm-up matches.
“Right from the start we’ve taken a long-term view on Kane’s return to play,” said Stead. “His recovery is tracking well and it’s now a matter of making sure he can cope with the rigours and intensity of international cricket. We’ll continue to take a day by day approach to Kane’s rehabilitation and certainly won’t be putting any pressure on him to return before he is ready.”
Notably, this was Williamson’s first game March. The 33-year-old since suffered a shoulder injury in the Indian Premier League 2023 opening game while playing for Gujarat Titans.
Talking about the game, New Zealand are comfortably placed in the mammoth 346-run chase against Pakistan in Hyderabad. Opener Rachin Ravindra scored 97, while Williamson scored a half-century to put the Kiwis in a commanding position.
New Zealand (Batting XI, Fielding XI): Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w/c), Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Mark Chapman, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson
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