NZ bags 'Spirit of Cricket award' for exceptional sportsmanship during World Cup final
Having lost the 2019 World Cup final by the boundary count rule, New Zealand were awarded the Spirit of Cricket award by the MCC. The World Cup final at the Lord's was one of its kind as the winner of the encounter was decided by the boundary count rule after the match was tied twice.
What was supposed to be the most memorable encounter of the decade, the final of the 2019 World Cup, did live up to its expectations but in a rather controversial manner. The match between England and New Zealand to decide the winner of the World Cup ended up tied twice as England lifted their maiden trophy by virtue of the boundary count rule.
The New Zealand side have been awarded the Christopher Martin-Jenkins Spirit of Cricket award for the exceptional sportsmanship they displayed on the occasion of the historic final. The award, which is the brainchild of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), was presented to the Kiwis in Hamilton after the conclusion of the final Test match of the series.
MCC President Kumar Sangakkara commended the BlackCaps, saying, “The New Zealand team are worthy winners of this award. In the heat of battle, they displayed a level of sportsmanship that was fitting for such a fantastic final, and indeed tournament.
“It is a testament to their squad that even after a match that will live long in the memory for the cricket that was played, we are still talking about the Spirit of Cricket. Their actions deserve this recognition.”
The overthrow decision, after the ball was deflected off Ben Stokes' bat, still remains a debatable topic which was the turning point of the match as it kept the hosts in touching distance of the trophy. A renowned umpire in his times Simon Taufel stated that five runs should have been awarded instead of six for the overthrow.
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