'Mastery begins with humility'- Mohammad Kaif lauds New Zealand for their classy gesture against West Indies

New Zealand — What’s that one thing that comes to mind when one hears of New Zealand? Tenacious? A hard-working team of individuals who believes in doing the processes right? A team that always gives its best regardless of the final result? The undisputed champions of Spirit of Cricket? 

New Zealand also tends to win the folklore’s heart with its heartwarming actions both on and off the field. Who can forget the 2019 World Cup finals and the manner in which Kane Williamson-led unit carried itself? They accepted the result; they did not whine out the ridiculousness of the laws and the circumstances in which the game was decided.

Another great example of ‘Spirit of Cricket’ was shown by the Kiwi U19 Colts during the Super League Quarterfinal 02 fixture of the ongoing ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup against the 2016 champions West Indies.

It all happened in the immediate aftermath of the West Indies innings. Kirk McKenzie, who had played so well for his 99 was struggling for cramps after he was dismissed on the dreaded score of the last ball of the West Indian innings. McKenzie was struggling to walk. Hence, the Kiwis decided to carry him off the field. The ICC Cricket World Cup Twitter handle posted the video on social media with the caption, An outstanding show of sportsmanship earlier today in the game between West Indies and New Zealand.

“New Zealand are the most loved team”: Mohammad Kaif

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif lauded the New Zealand U-19s when he said, “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”

Coming back to the game, the Kiwis not only win hearts but also the quarterfinal after they successfully overhauled West Indian total of 238 thanks to an unbeaten 86-run-stand between Joey Field [38*] and Kristian Clarke [46*]. They will now face the winners of South Africa vs Bangladesh Quarter-final in the semi-finals of the 2020 ICC U-19 World Cup.

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