Watch: New Zealand U-19 players carry off West Indies batsman after he got injured, applauded by all

Cricket is known as the gentleman’s game. An incident during the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup Quarter Final match between New Zealand and West Indies witnessed one incident which reaffirmed this tag for cricket. ICC takes the spirit of the game very seriously as it should be and it seems the U-19 players from New Zealand know what exactly should be done to keep it in place.

Kiwi U-19 stars show what Spirit of the Game is all about

The incident took place after the innings of West Indies U-19 unfolded. All the New Zealand players were walking off to the pavilion with two West Indian batsmen. At this very moment, Kirk McKenzie started to feel some cramps and was having a lot of difficult to walk. Without any second thoughts, young Kiwi players Jesse Tashkoff and Joseph Field picked up the batsman and helped him reach his dressing room. McKenzie had batted superbly with great physical pain. The batsman fought hard but unfortunately got out for 99 off 104 balls. Here is the video of the incident:

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

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

The gesture shown by the two New Zealand players was applauded by the entire crowd present at the Willowmore Park in Benoni. Even the West Indies players and support staff clapped for the two young gentlemen and for McKenzie’s efforts with the bat. Pommie Mbangwa, who was in the commentary box at the time, said, “It’s so nice to see. The New Zealand senior team has a reputation of playing cricket with the right spirit. It’s clear that behaviour is filtering down to the young players.”

New Zealand wins a thriller

On the back of McKenzie’s fighting knock, the West Indies U-19 reached a score of 238. New Zealand faltered in the run chase and was down and out at one point at a score of 153 for 8. Joseph Field and Kristian Clarke came together and formed a brilliant partnership of 86 runs and helped New Zealand to win a thriller by just two wickets and reach the semi-finals. The Kiwis became the second side after India to qualify for the semifinals.