The true gentlemen of the gentlemen’s game!
Can the New Zealand cricket team can any better? Now, everyone’s aware of how Kane Williamson and his men set the bar of the spirit of the game high during the World Cup in England last year. This year, the country’s U-19 team, plying their trade in the U-19 World Cup in South Africa, carried the torch with an exquisite gesture during their quarter-final game against the West Indies.
West Indies’ Kirk McKenzie, having previously retired hurt in the 43rd over, returned to the field during the need of the hour and was dismissed on 99 by Kristian Clarke in the 48th over. Muscle cramps got the better of him as the 19-year-old found it difficult to even return to the dugout. The likes of Jesse Tashkoff and Joseph Field came to the rescue by lifting McKenzie off the field.
An outstanding show of sportsmanship earlier today in the game between West Indies and New Zealand 👏 #U19CWC | #SpiritOfCricket | #FutureStars pic.twitter.com/UAl1G37pKj
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 29, 2020
The gestures earned several accolades, and even Rohit Sharma, who hit the winning six in the Super over against New Zealand on Wednesday, hailed the sportsmanship.
So good to see this #SpiritOfCricket at its best. https://t.co/qzUZjEuRt5
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) January 30, 2020
Authentic example 😊👏🏻 https://t.co/34axpzy37J
— Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) January 30, 2020
Fantastic work lads! Great to see https://t.co/PixqWobgNf
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) January 29, 2020
As far as the game is concerned, West Indies posted 238 on board, and a brilliant bowling effort soon put the Kiwis in a state of bother. Losing wickets in quick succession, they were reduced to 153/8, and this is when Kristian Clarke decided to take matters in his own hand. Coming in at No. 10, Clarke – who picked four wickets with the bowl – scored an unbeaten 46 off 42 deliveries and played an impeccable 86-run stand with Joey Field to guide his team to glory.
Feature image courtesy: Twitter / @cricketworldcup
