In a memorable encounter, the New Zealand cricket team, participating in the ICC World Cup 2023, had the privilege of meeting with the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, at his residence in Dharamshala. This interaction took place on October 24, 2023, just ahead of their upcoming match against Australia, which follows their recent defeat to India.
The New Zealand cricket team, often referred to as the Blackcaps, had been on a winning streak until they reached the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium. There, they encountered a formidable Indian team. In this match, the Indian pacer, Mohammed Shami, delivered a remarkable performance, taking five crucial wickets that disrupted New Zealand’s strong batting lineup. Furthermore, Indian skipper Virat Kohli led an impressive run chase, resulting in India’s fifth consecutive victory in the ICC World Cup 2023.
Speaking after the game, Mohammed Shami shared insights into their strategy, stating, “When you start, it’s very important that you get a good start for your team. That’s your role. Myself and the other bowlers chose the right areas to hit and fetched the desired rewards. We bowled in the right areas. We did well to restrict them to a gettable score, and the result is in front of you.”
Adding to India’s accomplishments, their captain, Rohit Sharma, achieved a significant milestone during this match. Rohit Sharma became the first Indian batter to reach a half-century of sixes in the ODI format in a calendar year. His innings against New Zealand, featuring four sixes, brought his total for the year to 53. This accomplishment places him close to breaking the record of former South African skipper AB de Villiers, who smashed 58 sixes in 2015.
This meeting with the Dalai Lama provides a unique cultural experience for the New Zealand cricket team and is a memorable part of their journey in the ICC World Cup 2023.
