Touching Gesture: Young Fan Awards ‘Best Fielder’ Medal to Mohammed Siraj

Team India kicked off their T20 World Cup 2024 journey with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, June 5. Chasing a modest target of 97 runs, India secured the win within 13 overs, earning two crucial points.

Opting to bowl first, the Indian bowlers delivered impressive performances to restrict Ireland to a meager 96 runs. Hardik Pandya spearheaded the attack with three wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah contributed significantly with figures of 2/6 off three overs, including a maiden over.

Despite a shaky start in their chase, with Virat Kohli dismissed cheaply, skipper Rohit Sharma’s composed half-century and Rishabh Pant’s steady contribution guided India to a comfortable victory.

Adding to the excitement, Indian fielding coach T Dilip reintroduced the ‘Best Fielder’ medal, a tradition that gained popularity during the ODI World Cup last year. This time, Mohammed Siraj earned the accolade for his outstanding run-out of Ireland’s Gareth Delany. Although Axar Patel’s catch and Rishabh Pant’s wicketkeeping were noteworthy, Siraj’s effort stood out.

In a heartwarming gesture, the team management invited a young Indian fan from New York to present the medal to Siraj. The fast bowler, visibly elated, embraced the boy in a joyous moment. The young fan also had the chance to meet and take a picture with his favorite cricketer, Arshdeep Singh.

This comprehensive win and the celebratory moments that followed have set a positive tone for India’s T20 World Cup campaign, boosting the team’s confidence as they look forward to their next matches.