WATCH: Colin Munro presents testimony of sportsmanship; allows Martin Guptill to bat despite run out – ILT20 2024

In a recent highlight of exemplary sportsmanship and fair play during Match 13 of ILT20 2024 between Desert Vipers and Sharjah Warriors, cricket fans witnessed a remarkable display of camaraderie between players. The incident involved Colin Munro of Vipers, who, despite successfully running out Martin Guptill, chose to prioritize the spirit of the game over a competitive advantage.

In a true testament to the gentleman’s ethos, Munro allowed Guptill to continue his innings, a decision that garnered widespread admiration. This act showcased Munro’s sportsmanship and reinforced the essence of cricket as a gentleman’s game.

Colin Munro shows big heart as Martin Guptill escapes run-out

The pivotal moment unfolded on the very first delivery of the 12th over when batter Joe Denly skillfully struck a flighted delivery from Shadab Khan down the ground. The unfortunate turn of events saw the ball making contact with Denly’s teammate Guptill, stationed at the non-striker’s end. Despite Guptill’s attempts to avoid the ball, it struck his right hand, causing a momentary setback.

In an effort to evade the trajectory of the ball, Guptill inadvertently ventured out of his crease, only for the ball to ricochet off his right glove and directly into the hands of Shadab. The spinner seized the opportunity, swiftly dislodging the bails and finding the 37-year-old short of his crease.

However, displaying a commendable act of sportsmanship, Vipers’ skipper Munro intervened, opting to withdraw the appeal and grant the right-handed batter a second chance, exemplifying the true spirit of fair play on the cricket field.

Here is the video:

Being a good sport goes above being good at the sport.

Hats off to the @TheDesertVipers skipper for playing a fair game 🫡🫡#DPWorldILT20 #AllInForCricket #DVvSW pic.twitter.com/IotodgnKs7

— International League T20 (@ILT20Official) January 28, 2024

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Sharjah Warriors triumph over Desert Vipers

Speaking about the game, Warriors marked a seven-run victory over Vipers. Batting first, the Warriors posted a respectful total of 174/7 on board in their allotted 20 overs. Skipper Tom Kohler-Cadmore played a stellar knock of 68 runs in just 34 balls.

Coming to the chase, notable efforts came from the willow of Alex Hales ( 61 in 40 balls) and Azam Khan (35 in 22 balls). Still, the Vipers fell seven run short of their target and eventually lost faced their third defeat in the ongoing edition of the tournament

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