Usually, New Zealand players are the calmest on the cricket field, not sledging the opposition players, focusing on their game, in short minding their own business. But they don’t shy away from having a word, if angered. A sample of this was provided during the IND vs NZ T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Arshdeep Singh vs Daryl Mitchell
When the Kiwis were 5 down, and India were certain of winning the match, Arshdeep Singh was involved in a bit of a scuffle with NZ batter Daryl Mitchell. The incident occurred in the 11th over of the innings, when Mitchell hit one back to Arshdeep, and the latter, somehow, ended up aiming a throw on the Kiwi’s thigh.
Mitchell did not like it of course, and in a burst of emotion, charged towards Arshdeep. The NZ batter did speak a few words, but it seems Arshdeep soon realised his mistake, and did not engage much. As he went back to his mark, the fire was doused by skipper Suryakumar Yadav.
Umpire intervenes
The umpire too stepped in and had a word with the bowler. Eventually, all ended in a handshake at the end of the over. But this only goes on to show, what the pressure of a final does to players. But then, the pressure got to usually excellent Mitchell, and he was out for only 17 from 11.
What is interesting to note is, that Arshdeep was hit for a couple of sixes before the incident. That too could have triggered a reaction from the bowler. As far as the match is concerned, India scored a massive 255 in the first innings. Sanju Samson was execellent on the day, scoring 90-odd, and Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan chipped in with fifties as well.
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