Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan was not there for the last stages of his team’s 2023 ODI World Cup defeat to New Zealand at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday.
The ace all-rounder finished his ten overs before the 40th over and departed the field for scans, handing over the captaincy to Najmul Hossain Shanto. Bangladesh were defeated for the second time in a row as the Blackcaps chased down 246 runs in 42.5 overs to take the lead in the standings.
Shakib suffered with cramps in the scorching Chennai heat after New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first. Shakib seemed to get the injury while attempting to take a single in the first inning. During the post-match presentation, stand-in skipper Najmul Shanto stated:
“He is going for his scans. We will know after that.”
Najmul Shanto
Shakib Al Hasan entered the batting order when Bangladesh was in deep trouble. When Bangladesh were down to 56-4 in the 12th over, he and Mushfiqur Rahim, the only two players in the competition playing their fifth season, saved the innings.
Shakib scored 40 runs off 51 deliveries before being undone in the 30th over by a crisp Lockie Ferguson bouncer. On the bowling front, he returned with figures of 1-54, with the wicket of Devon Conway.
Williamson Injured in Comeback World Cup Match
Kane Williamson returned to the playing XI and captained the side while replacing Will Young in the lineup after missing New Zealand’s opening round of matches at the current 2023 ODI World Cup.
The skipper demonstrated his skill in a difficult run chase, scoring 78 runs off 107 deliveries before being forced to retire injured as a precautionary measure. While attempting to finish a single, he was hit on the thumb by a wayward throw. The medical crew immediately treated to him and applied a thick bandage to the damaged region.
During the post-match presentation, Williamson announced that he will have scans on Saturday. There are no additional updates as of yet, and the degree of the injury will be established once the scan findings are available.