It is the team spirit in the match that binds the players together to a common purpose, which is to win a game. How often have we seen cricketers getting inspired by their teammates’ work-rate, grit, determination and commitment? Even an impressive fielding effort might as well boost the team’s morale.
Case in point, New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner hogged the limelight after his breathtaking fielding effort to dismiss Hashmatullah Shahidi in the ongoing game against the Afghanistan cricket team in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023. New Zealand players quickly went up to Santner and lauded him for his stunning effort.
The incident happened during the last ball of the 14th over when Lockie Ferguson bowled a short-pitched delivery to Afghanistan skipper Shahidi and the latter tried to pull the ball towards the square leg but ended up getting a top-edge. Meanwhile, Mitchell Santner who remained alert on the field kept his eyes on the ball and made a sudden surge accordingly before he timed his jump in the air to perfection to complete the catch.
Mitchell Santner leaves the onlookers in awe with his stupendous one-handed catch
The interesting part of the dismissal is that Santner managed to take the catch in his left hand before landing on the ground. Initially, it looked like the white leather was literally moving away from him but thanks to his tremendous athleticism, which helped him grab it with one hand, in what was a stunning catch. Shahidi made his way back to the dressing room after making 8 runs.
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Batting first, New Zealand posted 288/6 in their allotted quota of 50 overs. Glenn Phillips top-scored with 71 off 80 including 4 fours and as many sixes. New Zealand’s interim skipper Tom Latham scored 68 off 74 (3 fours, 2 sixes) whereas opening batter Will Young scored 54 off 64 (4 fours and 3 sixes).
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The Black Caps restricted Afghanistan to 139 runs. New Zealand got the better of Afghanistan by 149 runs and moved to the top of the points table. New Zealand are one of the two teams that remain unbeaten in the competition so far. The Black Caps registered four wins in a row by defeating England, Netherlands, Bangladesh and Afghanistan respectively.