The Thunder allrounder picked up a calf injury in the Big Bash warm up contest
Watson injured during Thunder loss
Canterbury have beaten the Sydney Thunder by 20 runs in an encouraging warm-up fixture for the domestic Twenty20 league.
The home side posted 7-172 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch before restricting Sydney to 5-152.
Former Australian allrounder Shane Watson suffered a calf muscle early in the game and is in danger of missing the start of Sydney's Big Bash campaign.
Watson was to make a one-off appearance for Canterbury in their first game, against Central Districts in New Plymouth on Sunday, but has been ruled out.
The veteran left the field in the third over of Canterbury's innings and failed to bat when the Thunder were attempting to chase down the required score.
Canterbury openers Chad Bowes (71) and Cam Fletcher (50) put on 119 to lay the platform while Australian import Ben Hilfenhaus later shone with the ball, taking 2-13 off four overs.
Aiden Blizzard scored 76 for the under-strength visitors.
The opening round of games also features Northern Districts at home to Wellington and Auckland hosting Otago.
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