The New Zealand side has always been a fan-favorite in Cricket. They are always calm, composed and gracious in victory. From Stephen Fleming to Kane Williamson, the Kiwi players are known for their sportsmanship while playing the game.
Who can forget the smile that Kane Williamson had when his team lost the 2019 World Cup final against England because of boundary count. He remained calm and won the hearts of millions of people by showing a great gesture even after ending on the losing side. And it seems like the legacy is being carried forward by the younger generation too.
In the recently held New Zealand vs West Indies game in the ongoing Under-19 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, the young guns of Black Caps gave a “spirit of cricket” moment when they carried off a Windies batsman 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
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 29, 2020
The heartwarming gesture came into effect when New Zealand picked up the wicket of last Windie batsman, Kirk McKenzie, in the 48th over. However, due to some serious pain in his left leg, the batsman was finding it difficult to walk on the field.
Seeing the discomfort, two of New Zealand’s players, Joseph Field and Jesse Tashkoff, decided to help the batsman and picked him up in their arms to take him off the field.
Former Indian player Mohammad Kaif was in awe of this gesture and noted that this is why the whole world loves the New Zealand side. Taking it to Twitter, Kaif noted that legacy started by the former greats is being taken one step ahead by the youngsters.
“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,” Kaif tweeted.
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
The netizens praised the Kiwis for this amazing moment and labeled them as the Best Team to ever the game of cricket.
In related news, the Kiwis won that particular encounter against West Indies. Chasing a modest total of 238, the Black Caps were reeling at 153 for the loss of 8 wickets when a crucial partnership from Joey Field (38*) and Kristian Clark (46*) took the team over the winning target.
Now, New Zealand will play the winning team from fellow quarterfinalists Bangladesh or South Africa.