Sri Lankan cricketer Isuru Udana wins hearts with his gesture
What's the story
Sri Lankan bowler Isuru Udana won hearts of millions when he displayed true colors of sportsmanship in the Mzansi Super League.
Playing for Paarl Rocks, Udana had a chance to run out a batsman of his rival team Nelson Mandela Bay Giants, but he chose not to.
Judging by the situation Udana felt that it would be harsh on the batsman.
Here is more.
The incident
Udana refuses to run-out a batsman despite having a chance
During the match, as Udana bowled to Heino Kuhn of the Giants, the latter went for a big shot.
However, the ball instead crashed into his non-striking partner Marco Marais, who was going for the run and was out of his crease.
Marais momentarily collapsed on the pitch, giving Udana ample time to run him out. However, he chose not to.
Twitter Post
A display of true sportsmanship from Udana
This is class from Isuru Udana đź‘Źpic.twitter.com/RZX5yutA23
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) December 8, 2019
Twitter Post
Is this the opposite of Mankading?
The opposite of a mankad
— Stu DW (@StuWatts73) December 8, 2019
Twitter Post
Spirit kept alive by a proud Sri Lankan
While franchise cricket continues to destroy the spirit of the game, it is nice to see this act. Specifically from a Sri Lankan.
— lakshitha dasanayake (@lakshithadasan3) December 9, 2019
Match report
How did the match pan out?
Winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Giants bowlers had a bad day at the office, as the Rocks posted 168/5, courtesy opener Cameron Delport's 39, while Imran Tahir claimed 2/14.
In reply, the Giants could manage 156/6, despite Kuhn's fighting 58, as the bowling of Ferisco Adams (3/36) was enough to seal the win for the Rocks.
Spirit questioned
Why is the spirit being questioned nowadays?
Cricket has always been known as the gentlemen's game. Unfortunately, with the over-commercialization of the game, sportsmanship has become a victim.
The notable instance was when Ravichandran Ashwin Mankaded Jos Buttler in IPL 2019.
Hopefully, Udana's gesture will motivate young cricketers to play the game with the right spirit.