Chennai (Agencies): Kane Williamson retired hurt after hitting a fine 78 on his return as New Zealand beat Bangladesh by eight wickets in Chennai.n 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 he was hit by a throw 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 were unable to claw their way to a total that would challenge New Zealand.
Injury concern for Williamson after classy comeback
When Williamson suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the first game of the Indian Premier League in March, many doubted whether he would feature at all at this World Cup.
However, the 33-year-old has worked his way back to fitness and, after scoring just one from his first 16 balls as he battled through some probing new-ball bowling from Bangladesh, his trademark deft touch and elegance began to shine through.
An 81-ball half-century is his joint-slowest in ODIs but, with a relatively low total to chase, Williamson had the opportunity to gain some valuable time in the middle and regain some sharpness. There were signs he is still not quite 100% fit as he grimaced when having to stop quickly while running. But otherwise his return from such a serious injury was going as well as it could be, the right-hander looking in control as he started to go through the gears.
That was until he called for a quick single and was struck on the hand by a shy at the stumps. He tried to continue but, when the pain persisted, with the game all but won, the sensible decision was made and he headed off. New Zealand will now nervously await the results of an x-ray because, for as well as they have started the tournament without him, just this one knock from Williamson shows the poise and the class they lose when he is not there.
‘It got a bit fat and colourful’ – reaction
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson: “[My thumb] got a bit fat and colourful straight away, which made holding the bat difficult. I’ll have a scan and hopefully it’s OK.”
Player of the match, New Zealand bowler Lockie Ferguson: “It was a classic team effort from the Black Caps. Everyone bowled well and created pressure throughout.
“It meant I could come and do my role and fortunately the wicket gave me some assistance.”
Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain Shanto: “We have to take responsibility. If we bat the first 10-15 overs carefully then we can be a very good batting side. Bat well and it’s a different ball game.”
