During New Zealand's pre-match press conference ahead of their game against Sri Lanka, Tim Southee gave an update over Daryl Mitchell's fitness. Mitchell sustained a finger fracture while batting in a practice session ahead of the start of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. As a result, he also had to sit out of the tri-series at home against Bangladesh and Pakistan.

After missing the first game of the tournament against Australia, reports suggested that Mitchell was fit for the second game against Afghanistan, but the match was abandoned without a ball being bowled. An unanticipated problem was encountered, check back soon and try again. "Yep, I think Daryl has come through all the tests he needs to come through from obviously suffering a broken hand a few weeks back," said Southee. "Yeah, I think he comes back in for the side tomorrow."

Mark Chapman slotted in for Mitchell during the tri-series and even got game time during New Zealand's T20 World Cup opening match against Australia. Unfortunately, the 28-year-old will be making way for the all-rounder in the playing XI, as revealed by Southee. When quizzed about if Glenn Phillips will make way for Mitchell, Southee was quick to clarify that it will be Chapman who could lost out on his place. "Yeah, I don't think [it will be Phillips] -- I think it's probably Mark Chapman the one that's, I guess, the unlucky one who came in for Daryl in the Tri-Series against Bangladesh and Pakistan," Southee said.

"Yeah, Glenn has been phenomenal for us over the last while, as well, both in the field and adding, I guess, valuable runs at a reasonable rate when he bats. "Yeah, it's unlucky, I guess, for Mark Chapman, who hasn't really done anything wrong, but I think the way that Daryl -- he's a valuable member of the side and he's done well for us, so yeah, now that he's fit and ready, he just comes back in. He'll slot back in there."

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP