'I didn't want to create controversy' - Daryl Mitchell on refusing to run a single after collision with the bowler

Daryl Mitchell was the hero of the New Zealand side against England. The right-handed opening batsman scored a match-winning 72* off 47 deliveries, and helped Kane Williamson and his men defeat the England side in the first semifinal of the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup.

During the run chase, there was a moment where Mitchell collided with Adil Rashid and refused to run a single. This incident took place in the 18th over of the New Zealand innings.

Mitchell revealed that he had got in the way of Adil Rashid, and as a result, did not want to become the guy who created some controversy, and hence turned down the run. Adding that the Kiwis play the game in the right spirit, Mitchell said that he is lucky that his decision to turn down the single did not adversely affect the Kiwis as far as the result of the match is concerned.

“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),” said Mitchell after the match.

I consider myself lucky to have played for New Zealand: Daryl Mitchell

Daryl Mitchell also added that he considers himself very lucky to have represented the New Zealand side. The right-handed Kiwi opener concluded by stating that he was lucky to get 7-8 years of experience in domestic cricket before he took guard for the New Zealand side.

“Yeah I guess I consider myself very lucky to play for New Zealand, having debuted at 27. To be able to get 7-8 years of domestic cricket under my belt before playing for New Zealand, I actually consider myself very lucky,” concluded Mitchell.