New Zealand captain Kane Williamson faced a string of injuries in 2023, and it appears that 2024 is continuing similarly. The veteran batsman suffered an injury in the second T20I against Pakistan at Seddon Park in Hamilton. With this, there is now a doubt on his participation in the remaining three matches of the series.
Williamson had to retire hurt after scoring 26 runs off 15 deliveries in the first innings due to a hamstring injury. After that, he did not participate any further in the game, and in his absence, the veteran Tim Southee took charge of captaincy.
Initially, New Zealand had intended to give Kane Williamson a rest during the third T20I of the series in Dunedin as a part of his knee rehabilitation. The right-handed batsman suffered a major knee injury in March 2023 and has been handling the situation since his comeback during the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.
Speaking on the injury of Williamson, New Zealand Head Coach Gary Stead said, “With the test matches so close as well, which probably in the big scheme of things, in the short term for us, has a higher priority, I think it’s likely we’ll try and make sure that he is right for that.”
After his injury, Kane Williamson has headed back home, while the rest of the squad has proceeded to Auckland, from where they will board a flight for their upcoming match.
New Zealand has secured a nearly insurmountable 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against Pakistan. With Kane Williamson’s departure, Tim Seifert is likely to take his place in the team for the number three position.
