New Zealand continued their winning ways after another comprehensive 8-wicket win over Bangladesh in Match 11 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Friday (October 13). It was a third consecutive victory for the Blackcaps, who defeated England and Netherlands previously.

Kane Williamson, playing his first match of the tournament, won the toss and opted to bowl as Bangladesh posted 245/9 in their 50 overs. Mushfiqur Rahim top-scored with 66, while captain Shakib Al Hasan (40) and Mahmudullah (41*) contributed usefully. Lockie Ferguson (3/49) was the most successful bowler, with Trent Boult and Matt Henry taking two wickets each.

New Zealand lost in-form batter Rachin Ravindra early for 9, but Devon Conway (45), Kane Williamson (78 retd) and Daryl Mitchell (89*) batted superbly to ensure a third straight win for their team in the tournament with 8 wickets remaining and 43 balls to spare.

There was a major worry for New Zealand though, as captain Williamson suffered another injury scare, after making a miraculous recovery from the hip injury he sustained during the IPL.

Williamson copped a blow on his left thumb from a throw by a Bangladeshi fielder in the 37th over, which left him in quite a bit of pain and eventually forced him to retire hurt on 78.

“Just made holding the bat a little tough. Secondary to the thumb. Just got a bit fat and colourful straight away so got a scan tomorrow, but hopefully it's okay,” Williamson said at the post-match presentation ceremony, confirming he would get an X-ray done on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain, Shakib Al Hasan did not turn up for the post-match presentation ceremony and it was revealed by Najmul Hasan Shanto that he headed straight for scans on his left quad after being in some discomfort while running during his 40-run knock. He did complete his quota of 10 overs though, picking up 1/54.