After four consecutive wins, New Zealand have suffered three defeats. From being sure-shot semi-finalists at one stage during the World Cup to now being on the verge of elimination, The Kiwis’ fortune have changed drastically. Worst, they have also been hit hard by injuries to a few key players. The situation got even more worst during yesterday’s match against South Africa as Jimmy Neesham and Matt Henry were added to the already growing injury list.
Henry could not complete his quota of overs as he suffered an injury to his right hamstring. An MRI scan will be conducted in the next 24 hours to ascertain the seriousness of the injury. Jimmy Neesham suffered a blow on his right wrist, the injury saw Neesham slide down the batting order to number nine, but an X-ray has cleared him of any broken bones.
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Lockie Ferguson also suffered a blow on his right Achilles, but there is no significant damage, and New Zealand would be hoping Ferguson plays against Pakistan on Saturday. Mark Chapman and Kane Williamson are undergoing calf and thumb injuries respectively, and will have fitness tests ahead of their game against Pakistan.
Desperate times for New Zealand Cricket as they stay in hunt for semis
Speaking about New Zealand, they are currently placed third on the points table, with eight points. They still have two games left against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Kiwis have their fate in their own hands. If they manage to beat both PAK and SL, then New Zealand will qualify for the semi-finals of the WC.
However, they would love to have a full-strength playing the remaining two league games. Kane Williamson is likely to play against Pakistan, while Ferguson is almost certain to feature as well. Henry and Neesham will travel with the team to Bangalore, and their fitness tests will be conducted.
Editors pick
