Tom Blundell is bound for India as cover but the Black Caps are hopeful their captain, back in the wars after an ACL injury, will recover in time for the back end of the group stage of the competition
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has suffered a fractured thumb but will remain part of their men's Cricket World Cup squad.
The 2015 and 2019 runners-up are hopeful he will be fit for the conclusion of the group stage after scans revealed an undisplaced fracture to the digit on his left hand.
Tom Blundell will travel to India as cover in the event Williamson is unable to play any further part.
The incident occurred at the start of the 38th over of the Kiwis' run-chase against Bangladesh in Chennai after Williamson struck Taskin Ahmed to mid-off and set off for a quick single.
Fielder Najmul Hossain Shanto collected the ball and fired in a shy at the stumps which missed, but struck the 33-year-old as he ran through at the non-striker's end.
Williamson reached his 13th ODI fifty on his return to action (R.SATISH BABU/AFP via Getty Images)
He was in immediate discomfort and was attended to by a New Zealand medic, who applied a spray to the area before adding some strapping.
But Williamson would only face one more delivery before retiring hurt in the next over on 78.
It mattered little to the overall outcome, as New Zealand completed their pursuit of 246 with eight wickets in hand and 43 balls remaining to maintain their 100 per cent to the Cricket World Cup, but it remains to be seen how the injury impacts the remainder of the campaign.
Williamson was playing his first full international in his recovery from suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during the Indian Premier League in March.
New Zealand's remaining Cricket World Cup group matches (all times BST/GMT)October 18 – Afghanistan (Chennai, 9.30am BST)October 22 – India (Dharamsala, 9.30am BST)October 28 – Australia (Dharamsala, 6am BST)November 1 – South Africa (Pune, 8.30am GMT)November 4 – Pakistan (Bengaluru, 5am GMT)November 9 – Sri Lanka (Bengaluru, 8.30am GMT)
He played in the warm-up matches against Pakistan and South Africa but was not risked in the opening two group matches against England or Netherlands.
"Firstly, we're all feeling for Kane to have this occur after all his hard work to return from his knee injury," said head coach Gary Stead.
"While it's disappointing news, the initial diagnosis has given us some optimism he can still feature later in the pool play following a period of rest and rehabilitation.
"Kane is clearly a massive part of our side and a world-class player and captain - so we'll look to give him every opportunity we can to return in the tournament."
Tom Blundell (right) has been enlisted as cover (MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Williamson's absence will see Tom Latham reinstalled as stand-in captain while Will Young, who made way for his return, can expect a recall having opened in the first two matches.
New Zealand are back in action on Wednesday (October 18) when they face Afghanistan, before taking on tournament hosts India in Dharamsala next weekend.
Australia (October 28) and South Africa (November 1) are the next opponents before the group stage concludes with matches against Pakistan (November 4) and Sri Lanka (November 9) by which time they will hope to have Williamson fit and available.
The blow adds to an injury list which already includes seamer Tim Southee, who is sidelined following a thumb injury of his own suffered in a one-day international against England, which required him to undergo surgery.
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