Watch: Kane Williamson threw his bat down in anguish after a throw from Shakib Al Hasan hit him on his left thumb. It forced him to retire hurt during the 2023 World Cup game between New Zealand and Bangladesh.

Williamson, returning from a six-month injury layoff and playing the game against Bangladesh with a knee brace, did not have the greatest comeback to professional cricket: he had to walk off after copping a blow on his thumb. Batting on 77, Williamson set off for a tight single on the first ball of the 38th over. Shakib Al Hasan, at mid-off, collected and threw the ball in one motion towards the stumps.

The ball missed the wicket but ended up hitting Williamson’s thumb, who threw his bat down in pain. He got his hand heavily bandaged and continued batting for two more balls before he walked off on 78.

Williamson had undergone surgery for a ruptured ACL after injuring himself in the 2023 IPL opener on March 31, and battled against time to get fit for the World Cup.

He missed the first two matches of the edition, and played his first competitive game in over six months on Friday. But the two matches, spanning over six months, ended in a similar outcome for Williamson, with him having to walk out in pain on both instances.

Watch Kane Williamson getting injured here:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ICC (@icc)

To bet on the World Cup with our Match Centre Partners bet365 head here.