NEW DELHI: New Zealand’s batting stalwart Kane Williamson will not take the field in the second innings of the Champions Trophy final against India after sustaining a quadriceps strain while batting, the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) board confirmed on Sunday.
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Mark Chapman has stepped in as his replacement in the field.
Williamson managed just 11 runs before being dismissed by left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, offering a return catch.
The severity of Williamson’s injury and the duration of his recovery remain uncertain at this stage.
Earlier, India were set a target of 252 to win the Champions Trophy after restricting New Zealand to 251/7 in the final in Dubai on Sunday. Opting to bat first, New Zealand struggled to accelerate as India’s bowlers, particularly the spinners, delivered a disciplined performance in the high-stakes clash.
Daryl Mitchell was the top scorer for the Black Caps, crafting a patient 63 off 101 balls. Michael Bracewell remained unbeaten on 53, while Rachin Ravindra (37) and Glenn Phillips (34) also made valuable contributions.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy picked up two wickets each, while Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami chipped in with one apiece.