Watch: Nepal wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh has earned praise for refusing to run out Ireland’s Andy McBrine, who fell mid-pitch after colliding with the bowler while running a single.

The last match of the Oman Quadrangular T20I series involving Ireland and Nepal saw a sporting gesture as Sheikh gave McBrine a reprieve even though the batter was well short of the crease when the wicketkeeper collected the ball.

The third ball of the 19th over by Kamal Airee was pushed forward by batter Mark Adair, who set off for a quick single. The non-striker McBrine shot off as well but collided with Kamal, who had run across the pitch to stop the ball and the single. The collision forced McBrine to trip and fall and before he could get back up and complete the run, Kamal had thrown the ball into the gloves of the wicketkeeper, who could have easily run out the Ireland player.

However, Sheikh refused to dislodge the bails, earning him praise from the on-air commentator, who went on to say, “I’ve got goosebumps here in the commentary box because that’s a touching moment. It was accidental, and he could have run him out here, and Aasif Sheikh has said, ‘No, 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 for the ICC.”

McBrine was eventually out for 11 off seven deliveries in the last over of the innings. Batting first, Ireland were all out for 127 but some brilliant bowling meant that Nepal only managed 111-9 in their 20 overs.

Watch the sporting gesture by Aasif Sheikh towards McBrine here:

 

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