New Zealand have received a massive boost just before their third group-stage match against Bangladesh. Williamson, who has been out of action since IPL 2023 due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, is all set to make his international return. He underwent surgery in April on his right knee and has recovered quicker than expected.

In a press conference, Williamson revealed how his inclusion in the World Cup seemed like a far-fetched thought at the start of his rehab: “Initially, it was not considered. And to be honest, it was probably a good thing just to get my head stuck into rehab each day and not sort of rush it and that was my focus. I was fortunate as well that I had a good team around me back home and also fortunate not to have a lot of setbacks during that time”

Williamson was thankful for making his return to full fitness in time for the showpiece tournament. “So there were lots of little steps forward, which I guess accumulate to being here now really and getting close and realising that if each week does keep progressing well, ticking off all those sorts of milestones along the way, which there are many of them, then there might be a chance. And yeah, grateful that that was something that could be done and getting named in the squad was a really exciting moment.”

However, veteran pacer Southee, who dislocated his right thumb in the recently held ODIs against England, hasn’t healed completely and is unavailable for selection. The Kiwi fast bowler went under the knife before the World Cup to treat his injury.

Williamson featured in New Zealand’s warm-up fixtures and looked good in both the outings but did not take the field when New Zealand bowled. Kane Williamson skipped New Zealand’s first two matches against England and the Netherlands.

New Zealand are on a roll after winning their first two games by huge margins, boasting a net run-rate of +1.958. With four points, they now top the group-stage points table followed by India, who have four points but an inferior NRR of +1.500.