ICC U19 World Cup: NZ cricketers come up with classy gesture for injured WI player

New Zealand players are famous for upholding the spirit of the game in every situation and one can say that the future looks bright for them after their U19 players came up with an incredible gesture in the ongoing ICC U19 World Cup. The New Zealand youngsters produced a stunning moment of sportsmanship during the quarterfinal against the West Indies on Wednesday.

West Indies’ Kirk McKenzie was on 99 when he was struck with a severe cramp and he had to be stretchered off. The incident took place in 43rd over of the innings. At first, it looked like he would not be able to bat again. However, just four overs later he came out to bat again to complete his innings after West Indies lost their ninth wicket.

McKenzie was effectively standing on one leg as the cramps continued to trouble him. And he was bowled by New Zealand pacer Kristian Clarke on the very first ball he faced as he found it tough to defend the ball without moving his foot. McKenzie missed his well-deserved century by just one run. And as if that was not enough, the cramp returned while he was trying to walk off the field.

He was clearly struggling and was in pain before the New Zealand players came forward to help him. Two of their players carried him off the ground while players from the sides gave him a standing ovation.

Here is a clip of that heartwarming incident:

An outstanding show of sportsmanship earlier today in the game between West Indies and New Zealand 👏 #U19CWC | #SpiritOfCricket | #FutureStars pic.twitter.com/UAl1G37pKj

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 29, 2020

New Zealand storm into semifinals:

New Zealand, meanwhile, beat West Indies by two wickets in a thrilling clash to enter the semifinal. Chasing 239, it looked all over for New Zealand when they were reduced to 153 for 8. However, an 86-run, ninth-wicket partnership between Kristian Clarke and Joey Field saw NZ cross the line. They needed seven runs from the final over and chased down the total with two wickets and two balls to spare.

Before his batting heroics, Clarke had impressed with the ball too. He picked up 4 wickets for just 25 runs to help New Zealand bowl out West Indies for 238 despite Kirk McKenzie scoring 99. Previously, in their must-win game against Sri Lanka in the group stage, Clarke had struck a final-over six to secure New Zealand’s spot in the knockouts.