Mascot kids often tag along with the cricketers before the kick-off as part of a heritage passed down from generation to generation. Having kids walk onto the field along with cricketers is a customary practice in many sports, including cricket. This tradition highlights the importance of the spirit of the game and its tantalizing appeal to viewers of all ages.
More importantly, it also encourages young minds to be involved in physical activities who wish to become athletes themselves. The ongoing edition of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 tournament has seen mascot kids walk out with cricketers before the game. Case in point, ahead of the match between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, a mascot kid reportedly fainted.
Mascot kid faints due to scorching heat in SL vs AFG at Pune
Before the start of the 30th match of this edition’s World Cup tournament, a mascot kid fainted, perhaps due to dehydration or heatstroke. However, we are certain that the mascot kid couldn’t withstand the scorching heat in Pune as the temperature shot up to 32 degrees Celsius.
The incident happened during Sri Lanka’s national anthem when one of the mascots blacked out for a moment. Soon after that, a Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendia helped him and then a staff member escorted him to the stand. Pictures of the same spread like wildfire on social media portals. Take a look at the incident below.
Sri Lanka anthem been going on the last 17 minutes this kid just couldn't take it anymore pic.twitter.com/aBZerxz7R1
— David Brent Loves IPL (@DavidBrentIPL) October 30, 2023
Talking about the game, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and chose to bowl first. The Sri Lankan cricket team were bowled out for 241 with the help of the collective efforts of the players. Pathum Nissanka top-scored with 46 (5 fours) whereas Sri Lankan skipper Kusal Mendis scored 39 (3 fours). Sadeera Samarawickrama chipped in with 36 runs (3 fours).
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On the other side of the coin, Afghanistan’s left-arm fast-medium bowler, Fazalhaq Farooqi was the wrecker-in-chief as he accounted for four dismissals in his full quota of 10 overs. He registered 4/34 and also bowled a maiden over, maintaining an impressive economy of 3.40. Mujeeb Ur Rahman took two wickets whereas the likes of Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan took a wicket eac