Williamson inspires NZ to easy win over Tigers
Kane Williamson made 78 on his long-awaited return to lead New Zealand to an eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh at the World Cup on Friday but was forced to retire hurt with a hand injury.
The 33-year-old had been sidelined since suffering a serious knee injury at the IPL and missed New Zealand's two opening victories at the World Cup.
Chasing 246 to win, Williamson took a painful blow to his hand when the ball was thrown in from the field as he attempted a run.
Daryl Mitchell top-scored for the Kiwis with an unbeaten 89 while Mushfiqur Rahim made 66 for Bangladesh who have lost two of their three games.
Before Williamson and Mitchell fifties propelled the Kiwis to victory with ease, Mushfiqur top-scored and Mahmudullah Riyad hit an unbeaten 41 to help Bangladesh finish with 245 for nine in a game that saw veteran Black Caps fast bowler Trent Boult claim his 200th one-day international wicket.
Mushfiqur laced his innings with six fours and two sixes, taking his number of fifties in the format to 48 having also hit a half-century against England in the tournament three days ago.
The 36-year-old, playing in his 259th ODI, shared a crucial 96-run fourth wicket partnership with skipper Shakib Al Hasan (40) to help their team recover from 56-4.
Mushfiqur was eventually clean-bowled by Matt Henry as he attempted to pick up the scoring rate after Shakib had perished, caught by wicketkeeper Tom Latham off Lockie Ferguson after top-edging an attempted pull shot.
Shakib ended his innings suffering from cramps in the sweltering heat and batting without a helmet or cap against the spinners.
Mushfiqur's brother-in-law Mahmudullah, batting at number eight, played a valuable knock.
Boult, meanwhile, became the sixth New Zealand player to take 200 ODI wickets.
The 34-year-old reached the personal landmark when he dismissed Towhid Hridoy, caught at extra cover by Mitchell Santner for 13, in the 38th over.
Playing in his 107th ODI, Boult also dismissed opener Liton Das off the first ball of the match.
Liton was celebrating his 29th birthday but any hopes of a big score to mark the occasion were shattered when he shuffled down the wicket to confront Boult only to sky the ball to a grateful Henry who pocketed the chance at fine leg.
Captain Williamson returned to action after missing New Zealand's first two wins over defending champions England and the Netherlands as he recovered from a knee injury.
Bangladesh opened their World Cup campaign with victory over Afghanistan before losing to England.
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