Ireland defeated Nepal by 16 runs in their final match of the T20 Quadrangular Series in Oman on Monday.
Late in Ireland's innings, there was a remarkable show of sportsmanship by the Nepal team.
After Andy McBrine was accidentally tripped by bowler Kamal Singh Airee, the Irish batsman could have been easily run out. Instead, wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh chose to not knock off the bails.
It’s been said already on many occasions over the last 24 hours, but once more we just want to acknowledge the sportsmanship shown yesterday by @CricketNep - thank you and good luck for the Qualifier ahead. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/WsqszjeqOb
— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) February 15, 2022
"I don’t think they’re going to run him out here and that is brilliant to see," said commentator Andrew Leonard.
"Aasif Sheikh take a bow.
"We speak so often about where the sprit of cricket has gone in our game and you see it on show there because Kamal Singh Airee has accidentally tripped up Andy McBrine and I’ve got goosebumps here in the commentary box because that was a touching moment."
3/9) At this point, the entire Nepal bench on the sideline clapped to applaud the decision to do the right thing, and not effect the run-out.
Culture comes from the top & @PDassnayake as returning Head Coach and all the Nepal players have clearly come together brilliantly pic.twitter.com/DRKXJT2hsP— Andrew Leonard (@CricketBadge) February 15, 2022
Leonard continued: "It was accidental but he could have run him out here and Aasif Sheikh has said no, he’s said he’s not going to do it because of the spirit of the game.
"That’s your nominee for the spirit of cricket award for 2022."
5/9) Having chatted to the Irish players, and @mcbrine_andy in particular, they all acknowledged how brilliant it was from Nepal and how grateful they were, but interestingly how they would have done the exact same thing in return.
Goes back to that word respect from the above pic.twitter.com/VbzVoSNBN6— Andrew Leonard (@CricketBadge) February 15, 2022
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