A young Tauranga cricket fan got the chance to stand side-by-side with Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Bravo for the coin toss at the Black Caps versus West Indies ODI, at Seddon Park in Hamilton yesterday.
Ten-year-old Kobe Koko won the opportunity to accompany the two captains on to the pitch in a competition run by ANZ.
The Green Park Primary School student, who has played cricket for two years and travelled to Hamilton for the match, says he did not feel nervous before walking out on the pitch.
"It was just really cool, being out there with all the players.
"I got to hand the coin to Brendon and I told him good luck. He won the toss, so maybe me being there was lucky.
"Lots of my friends were watching the game and saw me on TV. I think Kane Williamson is my favourite player but I liked Brendon too."
Head of sponsorship at ANZ, Sue McGregor says Kobe is one of 18 kids being selected to take part in the coin toss that decides which team bats and which bowls during the ANZ International Series this summer.
"Very few people get the chance to stand beside some of the world's best cricketers in front of TV cameras and a live crowd for this critical match moment. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity," she said.
"It's a pleasure to be able to help young fans to get closer to their cricketing heroes, and we hope the experience inspires them."