New Zealand captain Kane Williamson’s impressive act in ICC World Cup victory over the Netherlands

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Injured New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has been praised for his role in his side’s second win at the Cricket World Cup in India.

Although the beloved skipper was unable to play against the Netherlands, due to an ACL tear he sustained in the IPL earlier this year, he still took to the field as water boy.

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The Black Caps tore apart the Dutch, winning by 99 runs, with Williamson running out water, giving advice and even wiping down Will Young during a break in play.

Fans took to social media took to commend the captain on his selfless team work.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has been applauded by fans for his role in the Black Caps victory over the Dutch. Credit: Twitter / Getty Images

“Kane Williamson served water to their teammates in today’s match against Nederland. A pure Team man,” one fan tweeted.

“Kane Williamson. Real Skipper serving water for his boys today!” a second said.

Williamson also missed the opening match of the competition against England, where his side crushed the defending champions in a stellar performance.

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However, the Black Caps won’t be without their star captain for long, with the 33-year-old looking to return against Bangladesh, according to coach Gary Stead.

“He is progressing really well, and we are pretty confident he will be playing the third match,” Stead told reporters leading into the game against the Netherlands.

Kane Williamson of New Zealand looks on as his team plays the Netherlands. Credit: Getty Images

Historic victory

Mitchell Santner became the first New Zealand spinner to grab a five-wicket haul at a Cricket World Cup in the historic victory.

New Zealand racked up 7-322 on a slow, dry wicket, with top-order batters Will Young, stand-in skipper Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra all making half-centuries.

Santner, who also made a quickfire unbeaten 36 off 17 balls, took 5-59 with his left-arm spin as the Netherlands were bowled out for 223 in 46.3 overs.

It was the Netherlands’ second consecutive defeat after losing their opener to Pakistan by 81 runs.

“We did a great job with the bat, built partnerships and put up a great score,” Latham said.

“Any time in the middle is valuable, partnership after partnership allowed us to put good runs on the board.

“The spinners were outstanding and the big boys did a great job up front and squeezed them.”

Mitch Santner took five wickets in the big win. Credit: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

Devon Conway, who struck an unbeaten 152 in New Zealand’s opening win against reigning champions England, holed out at long-on for 32 but opening partner Young, who made a duck against the English, scored 70.

Ravindra, who also made an unbeaten century in the Black Caps’ opening game, struck 51 as New Zealand reached 2-171 after 30 overs.

After the top-order trio departed Daryl Mitchell, who made 48 after being dropped on 22, and Latham (53) put on 53 before the Netherlands hit back in the last powerplay with three quick wickets for 16 runs.

But Santner provided the Black Caps with a perfect finish, slamming Bas de Leede for two consecutive sixes in a last over that went for 23.

Although New Zealand then dropped a couple of catches, and Santner missed with two of three run-out chances, the Netherlands never threatened to chase the target down.

Colin Ackermann (69) made a fighting half-century, but the fall of De Leede (18) in the 17th over to a superb juggling catch by Trent Boult on the edge of the boundary took the game further away from the Netherlands.

Santner baffled the Netherlands with his variations of pace and, after having O’Dowd (16) trapped lbw in his first spell, he returned to grab four more wickets.

Matt Henry brought the innings to a close, finishing with 3-40.

“New Zealand have got a quality bowling attack,” said the Netherlands captain Scott Edwards, who skied a return catch to Santner after scoring 30.

“You are not going to chase down 320 with 40s and 50s … we needed bigger partnerships.”

– With AP