Kane’s winning return

Kanewilliamson’s return to cricket after a sixweek absence coincided with Sunrisers Hyderabad’s first victory of the Indian Premier League, and helpedwarmhearts of Black Caps fans everywhere. New Zealand’s captainwas back after a 45-day layoff to heal an overuse injury in his left elbow, and scored 16 not out in the Sunrisers’ nine-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in Chennai. Williamson’s first match since March 7, when the Black Caps wrapped up a 3-2 Twenty20 series victory over Australia in Wellington, eased fears over the extent of his injury ahead of a big tour of England and the World Test Championship final against India in June. The skipper sat out the Bangladesh ODI and T20 series, along with the Sunrisers’ first three matches of the IPL when they went 0-3 under captain Davidwarner. This IPL victory was achieved in a canter, as the Sunrisers skittled KL Rahul’s Punjab Kings for 120 on a tough, sluggish pitch beforewarner (37 off 37 balls) and Jonny Bairstow(63 not out off 56) put their side in the box seat. Williamson faced 19 deliveries for his unbeaten 16 as they won with eight balls to spare.