The batsman opted not to take an easy single during the T20 World Cup semi-final against England as he felt he had “obstructed” bowler Adil Rashid’s path at the time.
New Zealand batsman Daryl Mitchell was on Wednesday named as the recipient of the 2021 ICC ‘Spirit of Cricket’ award for not picking up a handy single during the T20 World Cup semi-final against England as he felt he stunned bowler Adil. Has “obstructed” Rashid’s way. Moment.
Mitchell won the award for his gesture during the game in Abu Dhabi on November 10 last year, which New Zealand won by five wickets.
Following in the footsteps of Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson, Mitchell became the fourth player from New Zealand to win the award.
“It is an honor to receive the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award,” Mitchell said.
“It was an amazing experience to be a part of that T20 World Cup in the UAE, and it is great to receive such an award.
“It’s something we as New Zealanders pride ourselves on, the way we play our cricket, and yes, the spirit of cricket.
“Personally, I thought I got in the way and we wanted to win on our own terms, and not be contentious in such a big game. It paid off in the long run that we won the game. Looking back, this It all happened very quickly.” The incident was bowled by Adil Rashid on the first ball of the 18th over, with the score 133/4 and James Neesham on strike.
Neesham hits the ball to the ground and it would have been an easy single.
But Mitchell refused to take runs at the non-striker’s end, believing that he had stopped Rashid in a high-pressure chase, risking a place in the World Cup final.
Nasser Hussain, who went live on commentary during the competition, praised Mitchell, saying, “It’s great. This is New Zealand, it really is. It’s so easy to get a run there. But the non-striker said, ‘No,’ I have come in the way of Adil.’ Anything can be the essence of New Zealand cricket – that was it.” Mitchell explained why he refused to take the single, saying: “It was a very tough game against England in that semi-final, with only a few overs left. Neesh (Jimmy Neesham) hit the single at long- Hit on off. I think it was, and I felt like I had stopped Rashid from coming on the ball.
“We play the game we play because we love it. Yes, we want to win as much as we can, but we don’t want it to come from doing things that go against the values of cricket. Spirit of cricket is extremely important.” It sets a platform for children in future, who will play the game in the right way.
“At the end of the day, it’s a sport, it’s something we love. So obviously we’re very lucky to have that.” Opening the bat, Mitchell proved to be the match winner with a memorable innings of 72 not out off 47 balls, as well as scoring the winning runs.
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