New Zealand players are widely popular for their sportsmanship. The Kane Williamson-led side gave an example of the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ in the 50-over World Cup (WC) final held in July last year. Not only this, even after losing the recently concluded Test series in Australia, the Kiwi team was spotted inside the Australian change room to have a good positive chat with the Aussies.
No wonder the youngsters are also following their senior players in the ongoing U19 World Cup. During the quarter-final match played between New Zealand and West Indies at Willowmoore Park on Wednesday; the Kiwis came up with an incredible gesture.
The Windies middle-order batsman Kirk McKenzie suffered severe cramps in his leg and was forced to retire hurt on 99. But soon he returned in the middle to face the final 14 deliveries of the innings when West Indies lost their ninth wicket. However, McKenzie was dismissed in the first ball he faced and missed out to smash a century.
As he started to walk back into the pavilion, his cramps returned. The southpaw looked in enormous pain before the Black Caps came forward to help him. Skipper Jesse Tashkoff and pacer Joey Field showed a heart-warming gesture when the pair carried off McKenzie in their laps to take him out of the ground.
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 beautiful display of sportsman spirit shown by the young guns of New Zealand was highly appreciated on social media. Former and current cricketers looked very impressed and praised the Blackcaps for the gesture they showcased.
The Spirit of Cricket is a value that has always been very important to me personally. This lovely gesture by the U19 New Zealand team just warmed my heart. https://t.co/TG9VOtjXDx
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 30, 2020
So good to see this #SpiritOfCricket at its best. https://t.co/qzUZjEuRt5
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) January 30, 2020
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
Fantastic work lads! Great to see https://t.co/PixqWobgNf
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) January 29, 2020
So beautiful to see this from New Zealand.#SpiritOfCricket https://t.co/lTJHxIU2JW
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 30, 2020