World Cup 2023: Trent Boult impressed with New Zealand captain Kane Williamson's return

The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 started off well for the runners-up of the last edition. New Zealand beat the defending champions, England, in the tournament opener and went on to beat the Netherlands and Bangladesh in the next matches. Kane Williamson's team is a huge threat to the other teams after a promising start in the competition. They are now set to face Afghanistan on October 18, 2023. 

3 things you need to know 

• Kane Williamson made his first appearance in the ODI World Cup against Bangladesh
• New Zealand vs Afghanistan will be played on October 18, 2023 
• New Zealand vs India will be played on October 22, 2023

Also Read: IND Vs PAK: Hardik Pandya's Record Vs Pakistan

Trent Boult makes a huge statement on Kane Williamson’s return

Following their third straight victory in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, the Black Caps cemented their position as the overwhelming favourites to advance to the semi-finals of the prestigious competition. They won their third consecutive match in Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium, defeating Bangladesh by eight wickets.

The captain of New Zealand, Kane Williamson, made his tournament debut on Friday after missing the Indian Premier League and bilateral series for NZ due to an ACL injury while being out of action. Following Rachin Ravindra's early dismissal against BAN, Williamson bravely withstood the strain, scoring a patient 78 runs from 107 balls before retiring hurt with a thumb injury.

Regarding Williamson's performance, Trent Boult remarked that, despite missing more than six months of action, he seemed at ease on the field. During the post-match press conference of NZ vs BAN match, Trent Boult said: 

Yeah, no definitely, he's very comfortable out there in the middle and yeah quality knock after six or so months off. Yeah So, I'm sure you enjoyed that and the contributions there by Daryl and Glenn at the end obviously finished it off nicely. So nice to get the points and good to watch,

Also Read: 'Don't Be Surprised If...': Aakash Chopra Schools Mohammad Hafeez 

Trent Boult joined the 200 ODI wicket club during NZ vs BAN 

The popular fast bowler Trent Boult became the first bowler from New Zealand to reach 200 wickets in the ODI format and the third quickest in cricket history overall. Boult reflected on this amazing accomplishment and expressed his delight in accomplishing it. He added: 

Yeah, I'm very proud of it. It's, yeah, come with a bit of hard work and, you know, I've always enjoyed one day cricket and there's been days where it's been a lot more successful than others but, yeah, no, very good feeling to tick off 200. It is pretty exciting,

New Zealand are currently at the top of the points table with three wins in three matches and an NRR of 1.604. They will now clash against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on the following Wednesday.