Yuvraj Singh and Mohammed Siraj. (Photo Source: BCCI)
Legendary India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh presented the ‘best fielder’ medal to Mohammed Siraj for his spectacular catch to dismiss Nitish Kumar in the USA vs India game in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Siraj won the medal for the second time in three matches in the ongoing T20 World Cup. His catch to dismiss the well-set Nitish came in the 15th over of the USA innings bowled by Arshdeep Singh. The left-arm seamer bowled a short ball, which the USA batter pulled toward deep square leg. It seemed that he had timed the ball well enough and that it would manage to go the distance. However, Siraj timed his jump to perfection and caught the ball well over his head with both hands.
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The right-arm pacer was nominated alongside Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav and eventually emerged as the winner. Yuvraj, one of the best fielders of his time, presented the medal to Siraj and 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 uploaded by BCCI.
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Siraj said that he was among the contenders to win the medal across all the 11 matches India played at the ODI World Cup last year but missed out every time. However, he was happy that his hard work finally paid off.
“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,” said Siraj after receiving the medal.
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Meanwhile, India qualified for the Super Eight stage of the tournament with their win against the USA. Arshdeep Singh’s four-for helped the Men in Blue restrict the co-hosts of the World Cup to 110/8 at the Nassau Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, June 12. In reply, India chased down the target with seven wickets and 10 balls to spare, as Suryakumar Yadav top-scored with an unbeaten 50 off 49 balls.