Vettori targets Sri Lanka return

Injured New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori said he is targeting a return against Sri Lanka in the Black Caps’ final World Cup group match on March 18 after seeing specialists Thursday.

Vettori left the field during his team’s win against Pakistan on Tuesday after injuring his right knee while attempting to take a catch and had to leave the field for the remainder of the game. A scan showed he had a mild strain of his post cruciate ligament and he is likely to play later in the tournament.

“It’s a bit stiff and sore the last couple of days and 13 hours of travel never helps anyone. It felt a lot better today and it’s a lot easier to walk,” said Vettori.

“There’s still quite a lot of swelling so as soon as that comes down I’ll be back into it.”

The captain said the injury now needed rest and he would miss the match against Canada on Sunday.

“I really want to play in that Sri Lanka game heading towards those quarter finals,” he said.

New Zealand have six points after three wins out of four games in Group A and look set to qualify for the quarterfinals, which start on March 23. MUMBAI, AFP.