The ICC T20 World Cup 2021 ended on Sunday in Dubai with Australia defeating New Zealand by eight wickets in a one-sided final. India, Pakistan and England were considered among the favourites to lift the crown in the UAE. However, while India crashed out before the knockouts, England and Pakistan were stunned in the semi-finals. Australia, whom most experts did not give a chance of winning, came out of nowhere to lift the crown. They were lucky with the toss as they won all the matches, including the final while chasing. But, on-field performance aside, there were quite a few memorable moments during the World Cup, which were endearing. Here’s a compilation:
Kohli hugging Rizwan
India had a horrible beginning to their ICC T20 World Cup 2021 campaign. They went down to Pakistan by 10 wickets in their tournament opener in Dubai, failing to make an impression with both bat and ball. It was as listless as performance as India could have come up with. The loss also ended India’s unbeaten streak against their arch-rivals in the World Cup. Heading into the tournament, India had beaten Pakistan in every World Cup encounter – T20Is and ODIs. Despite the loss, Kohli was amiable enough to give Rizwan a friendly hug, which will be remembered as one of the moments of the World Cup. Even Team India mentor MS Dhoni was seen interacting with Pakistan players.
Pakistan team visiting Namibia dressing room
Following their win over Namibia, Pakistan players displayed humility and were generous enough to pay a visit to the Namibia dressing room and applaud their opponents. Namibia had created history by reaching the Super 12, defeating more experienced sides like Ireland and Netherlands in Round 1. They even got the better of Scotland in their first Super 12 game. Pakistan’s players were seen interacting with Namibia cricketers in what was a wonderful spirit of cricket moment.
Indian players interacting with Scotland team
Indian players did something similar and had a heartfelt chat with Scotland players after the match between the two teams. Kohli, Rohit Sharma as well as other Indian cricketers like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin were also seen interacting with the Scottish players. The Scotland players had requested to learn and improve from India and the Indian starts did not disappoint. “Huge respect to @imVkohli and co. for taking the time. Priceless,” Scotland Cricket tweeted following the interaction between the two teams.
Rizwan speaking out in support of Shami:
There was plenty of online abuse for Mohammed Shami following India’s 10-wicket loss to Pakistan. His religion was brought into the picture and some shockingly accused him of taking money to underperform. It was a needless controversy that should never have happened but was proof of the times we live in. Shami got support from unexpected quarters in the form of a tweet from Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. Posting a beautiful message, Rizwan wrote, “The kind of pressure, struggles & sacrifices a player has to go through for his country & his people is immeasurable. @MdShami11 is a star & indeed of the best bowlers in the world. Please respect your stars. This game should bring people together & not divide ’em #Shami #PAKvIND,”
Mitchell refusing single against England
David Warner’s six off a double-bounce ball from Mohammad Hafeez raised quite a storm over the “spirit of cricket” in the second semi-final. A day earlier, something exactly the opposite happened. New Zealand opener Daryl Mitchell refused to take a single after colliding with the bowler at the non-striker’s end. Jimmy Neesham hit a ball towards the bowler, Adil Rashid, at the start of the 18th over. However, due to the collision, Rashid could not stop the ball. Neesham set off for what was an easy single but Mitchell sent him back. The Kiwis went on to win the match as well as hearts.