Hamilton boy Abbas Mehdi, 8, the ANZ Coin toss winner, with cricket captains Kane Williamson and Sarfraz Ahmed at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Tuesday. Photo / Photosport
Hamilton boy Abbas Mehdi, 8, the ANZ Coin toss winner, with cricket captains Kane Williamson and Sarfraz Ahmed at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Tuesday. Photo / Photosport
A Hamilton cricket fan had his dream come true at Seddon Park on Tuesday when he joined captains Kane Williamson and Sarfraz Ahmed on the pitch for the coin toss before the Blackcaps v Pakistan match to help decide the batting and bowling order.
Eight-year-old Abbas Mehdi attends Te TotaraPrimary School and has been playing cricket for a Hamilton Old Boys junior cricket team for two years.
His family is originally from Pakistan, but Abbas was born in New Zealand and says his favourite team is the Black Caps.
"It was really cool that I got to be on international TV, because all my relatives in Pakistan were watching me at the cricket game. My favourite part was having the players sign my T-shirt and handing the captains the coin."
Head of sponsorship at ANZ, Sue McGregor, said Abbas was one of 27 children being selected to take part in the pivotal pre-match moment during this year's summer of cricket.
"We hope that connecting young players with their heroes will help inspire the next generation of Kiwi cricketers. There's a magic that happens when fans take part in the match and meet these great players. We try to get these young cricketers involved as much as we can," she said.
The ANZ coin toss activity is part of its support for cricket at all levels in New Zealand.
ANZ is also giving keen cricketers the chance to share what help they need to get on top of their game this summer. Whether it's new gear, tips from their heroes or just inspiration — ANZ could make it happen. Applications are now open at anzcricketworld.co.nz.
