India pacer Mohammed Siraj was over the moon after winning his second ‘best fielder’ medal in the ongoing T20 World Cup, taking place in the USA and West Indies.
On Wednesday (June 12), India defeated co-hosts USA by seven wickets at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.
During the Group A match, Siraj took a couple of catches in the outfield and also inflicted a run-out to help his side restrict the USA to 110/8 in 20 overs.
The highlight of Siraj’s fielding was the catch he grabbed to dismiss Nitish Kumar during the 15th over of USA’s innings. The fast bowler, who was stationed at deep square leg, timed his jump perfectly and plucked the catch inches in front of the boundary rope, much to the amazement of the commentators and fans.
Siraj pipped Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav to win the award. Former India all-rounder and World Cup-winner Yuvraj Singh bestowed Siraj with the fielding medal in the Indian dressing room appreciated all the performers of the match.
“Arshdeep congratulations for the Player of the Match and your batting skills last game also. SKY well played, very unlike Suryakumar but according to the situation. Shivam well done, very good to see you getting runs and finishing the match for India. Well done, all the best guys. I’m pretty sure you, no pressure, enjoy. Of course, Best fielder of the game, Siraj game changer, great catch,” said Yuvraj in a video shared by the BCCI on social media.
After receiving the medal, Siraj stated: “It’s amazing feeling last World Cup I was the contender across 11 matches but couldn’t win the medal but hard work never goes to waste and always pays off.”
Here’s the video:
Coming to the match, India restricted the USA to 110/8 in 20 overs on the back of Arshdeep Singh’s four-wicket haul (4 for 9 in 4 overs).
In reply, the Men in Blue were reduced to 39/3 but Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten half-century and Shivam Dube’s composed 31* ensured India’s victory with 10 deliveries to spare.
With this victory, the Rohit Sharma-led side also became the first team to qualify for Super 8s from Group A.
