The veteran Indian opener, Rohit Sharma helped India to win the third T20I against New Zealand in a nail-biting Super Over. However, on Thursday, he took to Twitter on Thursday to appreciate the heartwarming gesture shown by the New Zealand Under-19 team during the second quarter-final of the Under-19 World Cup. In the knockout match, New Zealand went the 239-run target set by the West Indies in the last over.
During the West Indies’ innings, Kirk McKenzie suffered cramps and was retired hurt at the end of the 43rd over. McKenzie came back to bat in the 48th over but he was dismissed on the very next delivery by Kristian Clarke. As the West Indies were bowled out for 238, McKenzie was finding it difficult to walk out of the ground. and hence, the Kiwi players came to help the batsman and lifted him off to rescue him off the field.
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Sharding the video of the incident tweeted by the Cricket World Cup, Rohit wrote: “So good to see this #SpiritOfCricket at its best”.
So good to see this #SpiritOfCricket at its best. https://t.co/qzUZjEuRt5
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) January 30, 2020
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif lauded the New Zealand U-19s when he said, “Mastery begins with humility. The legacy being so beautifully carried forward by the next generation of New Zealand stars. There is a reason why they are the most loved team of our times #SpiritOfCricket”
Mastery begins with humility. The legacy being so beautifully carried forward by the next generation of New Zealand stars. There is a reason why they are the most loved team of our times #SpiritOfCricket https://t.co/gg52oU1RcM
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 30, 2020
In the match, the West Indies won the toss and decided to bat in the second quarter-final of the Under-19 World Cup. Kirk McKenzie was the highest run-scorer for the Caribbean team as he scored 99 off 104 deliveries, but his team was bundled out 238, setting New Zealand a target of 239 to reach the semi-finals of the tournament. Kristian Clarke was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand who finished with figures of four for 25.
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During the chase, the Blackcaps lost their first wicket with just four runs on the board as Matthew Forde removed Ollie White for a duck. New Zealand then lost three quick wickets and were 67 for four at one stage. Clarke then showed his prowess with the bat and played an unbeaten knock of 46 to help his side chase down the 239-run target with two balls to spare.
With the win, New Zealand have joined India as the second semifinalist. Bangladesh will take on the hosts South Africa while Pakistan will lock horns with Afghanistan in the other quarter-final matches.
