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Williamson wants New Zealand to learn from India defeat in final

6 Mar 25

New Zealand batter Kane Williamson has fractured his left thumb and will miss World Cup matches, confirmed by head coach Gary Stead.

Williamson was sidelined in the first two matches yet appeared in the World Cup's third match against Bangladesh. The latter injured his thumb during the match as he was struck by a throw from Najmul Hossain Shanto while running between the wickets.

Chasing 246 to win, the 33-year-old, playing his first ODI since January, had reached his 43rd fifty in the format off 81 balls and was looking well set for a century.

Williamson had been sidelined with a serious knee injury picked up during the IPL and sat out New Zealand's first two wins at the World Cup.

Tom Blundell was included as a cover in the World Cup squad. However, Kiwi coach Stead said he was hopeful Williamson would still play a part in the tournament.

“Firstly, we’re all feeling for Kane to have this occur after all his hard work to return from his knee injury. While it’s disappointing news, the initial diagnosis has given us some optimism he can still feature later in the pool play following a period of rest and rehabilitation," Stead said.

“Kane is clearly a massive part of our side and a world-class player and captain - so we’ll look to give him every opportunity we can to return in the tournament.”