A key New Zealand batter has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup after breaking his hand in a bizarre post-dismissal reaction.
New Zealand batter Devon Conway has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup final against Australia after breaking his right hand when he punched his bat on his dismissal in the semi-final win over England.
Conway will also miss the forthcoming tour of India as well as Sunday’s title match in Dubai.
The left-hander had made 46 when he was out stumped by Jos Buttler off leg-spinner Liam Livingstone, before his team secured a five-wicket win in Wednesday’s semi-final.
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The injury will boost Australia’s hopes of claiming its first T20 World Cup, with Conway scoring 129 runs in six innings across the tournament.
“It looked a pretty innocuous reactionary incident on the field,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said.
“But the blow obviously caught the bat between the glove padding and while it’s not the smartest thing he’s done there’s certainly an element of bad luck in the injury.
“He’s absolutely gutted to be ruled out like this at this time.”
Daryl Mitchell smashed an unbeaten 72 to lead New Zealand into their first ever T20 World Cup final in Thursday’s thrilling win.
Chasing 166 for victory, New Zealand were in trouble at 2/13 and 4/107 when Jimmy Neesham turned the semi-final on its head with an 11-ball 27 to help achieve the target with one over to spare in Abu Dhabi.
With 20 needed off the final 12 balls, Mitchell smashed Chris Woakes for two sixes and a four before his 47-ball blitz triggered wild celebrations in the New Zealand dugout.
“We’ve played each other on a number of occasions, so we knew it would be a great game of cricket,” said New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, whose team gained some semblance of revenge after losing the 50-over World Cup final to England on a Super Over in 2019.
“I am really chuffed with the heart that was shown throughout that performance.”
The T20 World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand is scheduled to get underway at 1am AEDT on Monday morning.
– with AFP
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