![ODI World Cup 2023 [WATCH]: Kusal Mendis’ touching gesture as child faints during national anthems in AFG vs SL match](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Kusal-Mendis-kindness-shines-amidst-childs-Fainting-during-AFG-vs-SL-match.webp "ODI World Cup 2023 [WATCH]: Kusal Mendis’ touching gesture as child faints during national anthems in AFG vs SL match")
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In a touching display of compassion, captain of Sri Lanka, Kusal Mendis extended a helping hand to a young child who had fainted during the Sri Lankan National Anthem in the ongoing match 30 against Afghanistan in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
Kusal Mendis’ compassionate act: A heartwarming gesture
This incident occurred just before the commencement of the game. As tradition dictates, local children join the players during the National Anthem. However, this time, the scorching heat took its toll on one of the children, who stood in front of Mendis and almost collapsed.
In an act of quick thinking and kindness, Mendis ensured that the child didn’t hit the ground, preventing any further harm. Members of the Afghanistan support staff promptly came to the child’s aid and carried him to safety. This incident showcased the human side of cricket and the camaraderie that transcends the boundary lines.
Here’s the video:
— rajendra tikyani (@Rspt1503) October 30, 2023
Also READ: World Cup 2023: Liam Livingstone breaks silence on Eoin Morgan’s claim of ‘rifts’ in the England team
Toss and team changes
The heartwarming incident aside, Sri Lanka are currently facing Afghanistan in Pune. With both teams having had a mixed run in the tournament, this game is a crucial one for their respective campaigns. Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, won the toss and chose to put Sri Lanka in to bat. Both teams made some strategic changes to their line-ups. Afghanistan included Fazalhaq Faroorqi while Sri Lanka welcomed Dushmantha Chameera and Dimuth Karunaratne into the playing eleven. In the same ongoing game, Rashid Khan celebrated his 100th ODI appearance.
Sri Lanka’s batting and remarkable bowling by Afghanistan bowlers
The first essay eventually saw Sri Lanka posting 241 runs, with Pathum Nissanka emerging as their top scorer with 46 runs. Farooqi was Afghanistan’s standout bowler, ending with a significant 4/34 in his ten-over spell.
