Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam won the hearts of many with his kind gesture in the second T20I against New Zealand. The match between the team teams took place at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field first. They had a great start with the ball as they removed Finn Allen, courtesy of Shoriful Islam in the second over. However, in the same another incident took place that made many stand and applaud the pacer.
During the 5th ball of the second over, Shoriful Islam bowled a length delivery outside off. Daryl Mitchell, who was on the strike, got forward and drove it back. The ball hit Tim Seifert, who was ducking for cover, got hit on the head at the helmet, and then fell on the ground.
The ball deflected from the helmet of Tim Seifert to Shoriful Islam. The batter was out of the crease and the pacer had the great opportunity to run him out. He at one moment was set to run the batter out but decided against it.
Here’s the video:
Mitchell got Seifert one in the noggin pic.twitter.com/8JwtZgSCX5
— Cr. Scott McKenzie (@CrScottMcKenzie) December 29, 2023
The gesture of Shoriful Islam was applauded by many. This came as a surprise to many because Bangladesh have always been doing things against the spirit of cricket. They recently hogged the headlines during the ICC World Cup 2023 when they appealed to dismiss Sri Lanka batter Angelo Mathews timed out.
Tim Seifert looked okay after that blow and continued batting after medical attention. He played great shots in his innings and took his team off the flier despite losing a wicket early.
Tim Siefert ended with the knock of runs from 23 balls including six fours and a six. The wicket was not easy at all as he made it. The other Kiwi batters struggled to get going but the keeper-batter played with great intent and made sure that he took the team off the flying start.
NZ vs BAN: The Second T20I between New Zealand and Bangladesh was called off due to rain; Shoriful Islam and Tanzim Sakib pick wickets for Bangladesh
Shoriful Islam took Bangladesh off the flying start in the second T20I. He removed Finn Allen for just 2 runs. After that, Tim Seifert (43) and Daryl Mitchell (18*) steadied the innings and played well after the early blow. Although the latter struggles to score runs at a quick pace but former made sure he makes up for the slowness at the other end.
They added 49 runs for the second wicket before Tanzim Sakib sent Tim Seifert packing. Glenn Philips then came and struggled to get going. He was batting at 9 runs off 14 balls before rain played the spoilsport and the match was washed away. The Kiwi were 72/2 in 11 overs before the game was called off.
Bangladesh lead the T20I series by a margin of 1-0. They scripted history when they defeated New Zealand in Napier. This was the first time they thumped the Kiwis in the shortest format of the game in New Zealand. The third game between the teams will be played on 31st December.
