World Cup Day 9: Williamson returns to guide New Zealand to third consecutive win

Kane Williamson returned from a long-term knee injury to guide his side to an eight-wicket win over Bangladesh. It now means that New Zealand have won three from three at the start of their World Cup campaign.

It was not all plain sailing for Williamson as he had to retire hurt when on 78 after being hit on the thumb by a throw. However, the Blackcaps were keen to point out that this was a precautionary measure.

Things started brightly for New Zealand with Trent Boult picking up the wicket of Litton Das with the first ball of the match. Das, an aggressive and dangerous opening batter, attempted to charge Boult's first delivery and could only serve up a catch into the path of Matt Henry at fine leg.

Tanzid Hasan fell to Lockie Ferguson before the Powerplay was over and the Tigers were 40/2 after eight overs of play. Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan put on 96 for the fifth wicket but could only do so from 108 deliveries as New Zealand's bowlers continued to squeeze.

Wickets fell at regular intervals throughout the innings and the Blackcaps were economical in their spells. Ferguson (3-49) and Mitchell Santner (1-31) were the pick of the bowlers, and this was reflected in Ferguson's player of the match award at the conclusion. Bangladesh were only able to reach 245/9 from their allotted overs.

In the absence of Will Young, who had made way for Williamson to return, it was left to Rachin Ravindra to open alongside Devon Conway. On this occasion, he did not last long. Following one sumptuous cover drive, Mushfiqur Rahim was able to find the outside edge of his bat and he departed for 9.

Williamson, careful and methodical and making good use of the cut shot, formed partnerships of 80 and 108, with Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell respectively. Following him being struck on the hand, the Blackcaps skipper tried to carry on. However, once the game was effectively won he took the sensible precaution of retiring hurt and allowing Glenn Phillips to come in and finish off the innings.

Phillips ended on 31 off just 16 balls and Daryl Mitchell, at the other end, was left on 89 off 67 deliveries.

The biggest game of the tournament takes place tomorrow in Ahmedabad where India will take on Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The match is expected to have the biggest attendance, both physically and virtually, and there will be additional entertainment laid on for the crowd at the stadium.