Watch: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli React as ‘Best Fielder’ Award Returns with a Fresh Twist
07.06.2024: India’s fielding coach T Dilip reintroduced the ‘Best Fielder’ medal during the ODI World Cup 2023, and the tradition continues in the T20 World Cup 2024. The latest recipient of the ‘Fielder of the Match’ medal was India’s star pacer Mohammed Siraj, who played a pivotal role in India’s impressive eight-wicket victory over Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.
Siraj Shines in the Field
Mohammed Siraj earned the ‘Fielder of the Match’ medal after showcasing stellar fielding during the match. While he didn’t need to bowl his full four-over quota, his impact was undeniable. Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah dominated Ireland’s batting lineup, with Hardik taking three wickets and Bumrah securing two in his three-over spell.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video on social media platform X, announcing Siraj as the winner. The heartwarming clip featured a young Indian fan presenting the medal to Siraj, who accepted it with a warm hug.
Match Highlights
Siraj’s fielding was exceptional, and he managed to take a crucial wicket in his three-over spell, giving away only 13 runs. He brilliantly ended Gareth Delany’s innings with his sharp fielding in the 16th over.
India’s fielding coach T Dilip highlighted the importance of game awareness in T20 cricket, praising Axar Patel’s caught and bowled and Virat Kohli’s intensity. “In T20 cricket, one of the key factors is game awareness as every ball is an opportunity,” said Dilip in a video posted by BCCI.
Fan Interaction
The young fan who presented the medal expressed his admiration for Arshdeep Singh, calling the speedster the best. This interaction added a special touch to the ceremony, showcasing the strong connection between the players and their supporters.
India’s Dominant Performance
India’s victory over Ireland was marked by standout performances from key players. Opting to field first, Indian bowlers quickly put pressure on the Irish batters, reducing them to 50/8. Gareth Delany (26 in 14 balls) and Joshua Little (14 in 13 balls) managed to push Ireland’s total to 96 in 16 overs.
During the run chase, skipper Rohit Sharma led with a half-century (52 in 37 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes), supported by Rishabh Pant’s solid knock (36* in 26 balls, with three fours and two sixes), securing India’s eight-wicket win.