Isuru Udana Tilakaranta, the left-arm fast bowler is a Sri Lankan Cricketer in limited over formats. The Mzansi Super League, which is happening in South Africa was taking place between Nelson Mandela Bay Giants and Paarl Rocks. The match witnessed different interesting acts by players. In one of them, Isuru Udana won the hearts over the internet with his sportsmanship.
The match was at its climax and the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants was batting while Paarl Rocks were bowling. On the pitch, Heino Kuhn and Macro Marais were playing for Nelson Mandela Bay Giants. When the last 8 balls were remaining, Isuru Udana was about to bowl. The weather was cool and the Giants needed 24 runs to win in only 8 balls. Heino Kuhn was the striker and Macro Marais was at the other end.
Ishuru Udana Shows His Sportsmanship
As Isuru Udana bowled, Heino Kuhn was ready to hit the ball. He stepped out and wanted to hit a big shot but the ball crashed into his partner Macro Marais. That hit pained non-striker and because of that, he stepped outside the crease. During that moment, Isuru Udana had enough time to pick a wicket by running out non-striker Macro Marais.
In spite of that chance, Udana let him off and walked back to bowl the next delivery. He did not take the benefit of this golden opportunity. This decision became the headlines of the day. “Spirit of cricket Raise your hand for more moments like this! Always!” MSL tweeted from its official Twitter account.
Later, the match went to the wire as Marais took advantage of the lifeline and slammed a six to close in on a victory for the Giants. Rocks, however, held its composure and was able to win the closely fought encounter.
With 27 points out of ten matches, Paarl leads the league, while Nelson Mandela Bay Giants are in the second position out of 10 matches with twenty-seven points.
Tabraiz Shamsi had taken his post-wicket-taking celebrations to a whole new level earlier in the tournament.