PALLEKELE – New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori injured his right knee while attempting a catch in his team’s World Cup Group A win against Pakistan at Pallekele stadium on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old landed awkwardly as he tried to catch Kamran Akmal at mid-on after New Zealand set Pakistan a mammoth 303-run target. He was helped to the dressing room by team officials. “Dan hurt his right knee while attempting a catch. He is currently taking ice treatment and was being assessed,” team media manager Ellery Tappin said. Vettori has a history of back and knee injuries in a career spanning more than 14 years.
New Zealand made 302-7 after winning the toss, with Ross Taylor hitting a career-best 131 not out. Pakistan were then dismissed for 192, handing the Black Caps a 110-run win. “We’ll see how Danny is over the next few days,” said Taylor, the vice-captain after the match. “Hopefully it’s just a bit of jarring. He’s key to our team and we need him for the rest of the tournament.”
