CWC 2023 [WATCH]: Paul van Meekeren thanks Daryl Mitchell for not hitting him through a special ‘Namaste’ gesture during NZ vs NED clash

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is in full swing, and it’s not just about thrilling cricketing action on the field but also about those moments of sportsmanship and camaraderie that make the game even more special. Something similar happened during the sixth match of the showpiece event between New Zealand and Netherlands that showcased the true spirit of the game.

New Zealand post a challenging total for Netherlands

The match went underway at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad and turned out to be a high-scoring affair, with New Zealand posting a daunting total of 322/7 after being asked to bat first. Will Young (70), Rachin Ravindra (51) and Daryl Mitchell (48) were the main contributors for the Blackcaps with the bat. Meanwhile, other batters also added valuable runs to the team total.

However, what stole the limelight wasn’t just the runs on the board but a remarkable moment of camaraderie between two players from different teams. The event took place during the New Zealand innings when Mitchell was at the crease, and Paul van Meekeren was the bowler in focus.

Also WATCH: Roelof van der Merwe plucks a jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Mark Chapman in NZ vs NED clash

Daryl Mitchell’s lighting-fast stroke and Paul van Meekeren’s special ‘Namaste’ gesture

On the second ball of the 39th over, Mitchell unleashed a rocket of a shot towards the bowler’s end that could have easily hit Paul, who was in the firing line. But in a remarkable display of reflexes and athleticism, Paul managed to save himself from the ball, and the red leather went on to break the stumps at the non-striker’s end instead of hitting the bowler. What followed was a gesture that warmed the hearts of cricket fans worldwide.

After getting saved from the fiery shot, Paul turned towards Mitchell and thanked him with folded hands, bowing down in a special ‘Namaste’ gesture, acknowledging the spirit of sportsmanship and respect that is at the core of cricket,

Here’s the video:

Interestingly, Paul later dismissed Mitchell off a brilliant off-cutter and the Kiwi batter missed on his well-deserved half-century. The slower ball from the Dutch bowler skidded through a tad low, leaving Mitchell’s stumps in disarray as he went for an ambitious pull and missed.

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