During the 1st semi-final match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 between New Zealand and England, Daryl Mitchell turned down the opportunity of taking a single as he came in the way of Adil Rashid who was trying to save the ball.
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Kane Williamson’s New Zealand took the revenge of the 2019 ICC World Cup by knocking Eoin Morgan’s England out of the tournament. Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 72 off 47 deliveries sealed the victory for the Kiwis with an over left in the run chase. Apart from a match winning innings, Daryl Mitchell will be remembered for his sportsman spirit in the pitch.
The incident occurred in the first ball of the 18th over of the match. At that time New Zealand required 34 in the last three overs. Jimmy Neesham smashed the ball firmly which was slightly wide of Adil Rashid’s reach. Neesham was eager to take the run but Daryl Mitchell refused to take the single as he thought he had blocked the Adil Rashid’s way. The duo had an easy opportunity to take the single but Mitchell refused to run.
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It was a great act of sportsman ship from the Kiwi opener and was also praised by many. The gesture won the heart of many fans. He was also asked about the incident in the post-match presentation.
“I thought I probably got in the way of Rashid a little bit and I didn’t want to be the guy that caused a bit of a controversy, so I was happy to just (turn down the single). We all play the game in good spirit and I just felt like it was probably my fault so as opposed to try and take a run, it was better off to start again and carry on. I’m lucky that it didn’t make a difference (to the result),” the 30-year-old said.
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