• Source:JND
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NZ vs PAK T20Is: New Zealand star batter Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the ongoing T20I series against Pakistan with a hamstring injury. The right-handed batter sustained a blow and hand to retired hurt while batting in the second T20I in Hamilton on Sunday. The scans revealed the extent of the injury and the decision on Williamson's participation has been taken accordingly.

"Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 Series against Pakistan after a scan confirmed he suffered a minor hamstring strain while batting in Sunday’s T20I," New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.

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In Williamson's absence, Will Young will stay with the squad for the last three games of the five-match series.

"Williamson’s injury means Will Young will now stay on with the squad for the fourth and fifth matches of the series in Christchurch after assembling with the squad in Dunedin ahead of tomorrow’s third match," the statement added.

It is the second minor injury that Williamson has picked up in recent months after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligaments injury for the ODI World Cup last year. He later fractured his finger in the same tournament against Bangladesh. In 2023, he missed a major part of the cricket after injuring his right leg hamstring in the opening game of the IPL 2023.

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His road to recovery and return to action is yet to be ascertained by the Kiwi board with a target of making him fit for next month's Test series against South Africa.

"A timeline for Williamson’s rehabilitation and return to cricket is still being established with a goal of being ready for selection in the Test Series against South Africa starting next month," the statement read.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead admitted without Williamson the stability of the side will hamper but added that it will be an opportunity for Tim Seifert to showcase his skills.

"It'll be another test without having Kane there, who I think always provides that stableness to your batting. That'll be an opportunity for, likely, Tim Seifert to come in and show what he can still do, and fill in those shoes that Kane's probably left for the rest of the series," Stead said.

New Zealand lead the series 2-0 and will hope to take unassailable edge in the third T20I in Dunedin on Wednesday, January 17.