New Delhi: Star India batter Smriti Mandhana made a special gesture towards one of her special fans after India won their campaign opener against arch-rivals Pakistan by seven wickets at the ongoing Women’s Asia Cup 2024 on Friday. A wheelchair-bound girl made her way to the Dambulla Stadium to address her love for cricket and was left surprised by Mandhana who gifted her with a mobile phone.
The little girl, Adeesha Herath had come to the stadium in a wheelchair escorted by her mother and was greatly surprised as the Indian opener came to meet her and presented her with the smartphone. The video of the heartwarming moment was shared by Sri Lanka Cricket on the social media platform “X” (formerly Twitter). Fans are loving Mandhana’s gesture towards the physically challenged little fan, lauding her for her gentleness.
“Adeesha Herath’s love for cricket brought her to the stadium, despite all the challenges. The highlight of her day? A surprise encounter with her favourite cricketer, Smriti Mandhana, who handed her a mobile phone as a token of appreciation,” Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wrote alongside the video.
Watch the heartwarming video here –
Adeesha Herath’s love for cricket brought her to the stadium, despite all the challenges. The highlight of her day? A surprise encounter with her favorite cricketer, Smriti Mandhana, who handed her a mobile phone as a token of appreciation 🥺
𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞… pic.twitter.com/iqgL2RNE9v
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) July 20, 2024
In the video, Mandhana was heard asking the girl her name to which she firmly replied. The batter went on to ask if she liked cricket and if she enjoyed the game. “You like cricket, that is nice. You enjoyed today’s match. I have brought a gift for you from all of us,” Mandhana told the girl, before giving her a high-five and posing for a picture.
Mumma speaks
The girl’s mother, who was in the company, said it was an unexpected gift from the batting great. “We came to watch the match unexpectedly, as my daughter wanted to go for the match. We met Mandhana Madam from the Indian team and my daughter received a phone from her. It was unexpected and my daughter is so lucky to receive this gift from her,” she said.
India will be up against the United Arab Emirates on Sunday and will play the final group-stage match against Nepal on July 23, Tuesday.
Smriti Mandhana won many hearts as he presented one of her special fans with a mobile phone after India routed Pakistan in their campaign opener at the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 on Friday. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
