Kane Williamson at training. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Black Caps captain Kane Williamson marked his return from a six-month injury layoff with a half-century as New Zealand won their World Cup warm-up match against Pakistan by five wickets.
But Williamson will miss the opening game of the Cricket World Cup against England, as he continues to progress his knee rehabilitation.
Pakistan scored 345 for 5 with Moahmmad Rizwan scoring 103 and Babar Azam 80 in Hyderabad.
The Black Caps reached 346 for 5 with six overs left - Rachin Ravindra scored 97, with Williamson, Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman all scoring 50s.
Playing only as a specialist batter, Williamson walked in at No. 3 after New Zealand lost Devon Conway for a duck and stabilised their chase of 346 with a 49-ball half-century.
He extended his tally to 54 off 50 balls before retiring out with New Zealand at 141 for 1 after 18 overs.
Williamson aims to both bat and field in New Zealand's second warm-up fixture against South Africa on Monday but will not participate in their World Cup opener against on 5 October.
Coach Gary Stead said the priority was ensuring Williamson had time to progress his return to match fitness.
"Right from the start we've taken a long-term view on Kane's return to play," Stead said.
"His recovery is tracking well and it's now a matter of making sure he can cope with the rigours and intensity of international cricket.
"We'll continue to take a day by day approach to Kane's rehabilitation and certainly won't be putting any pressure on him to return before he is ready."
Tom Latham captained the side today.
All-rounder Mitchell Santner also made a successful return from injury, taking 2 for 39 in eight overs.
After having jarred his knee in the second ODI against England at the Ageas Bowl, Santner did not feature in the last two games of the four-match series.
