Flat Bush cricketer, 11-year-old Eliana Chanda scored a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the superstars on the pitch at the Black Caps versus India match at Seddon Park on Sunday, November 27 when she won the chance to be an ANZ Coin Toss Kid.
Eliana, who attends Sancta Maria Catholic Primary School, won the opportunity to take part in the ANZ Coin Toss experience where she joined the captains Kane Williamson and Shikhar Dhawan for the pre-match toss to determine who would bat or bowl first.
Eliana said, “I got to walk amongst the superstars, it was very exciting.”
New Zealand won the coin toss and Kane chose bowling. She got to see five strong overs before the rain came.
“I got to meet Tim Southee and Jimmy Neesham and they signed my bat. But, my favourite player is Kane Williamson, he’s a really good captain,” she said.
Eliana plays backyard cricket with her dad and sister and said watching the Black Caps game has inspired her to play cricket this season. She wants to try batting.
“I like the bit where they score, when a six happens. I like that because the ball goes super high and it’s so cool.”
ANZ Bank New Zealand head of sponsorship Sarah Rogan said ANZ is proud to be able to give young fans like Eliana the chance to stand alongside their heroes and take part in the pre-match custom.
“Sport is such an important part of a child’s wellbeing, both mentally and physically. We hope that by experiencing the magic of standing centre pitch, these kids feel inspired to give it their best at their own training and games.
”ANZ has been a sponsor of New Zealand Cricket for more than two decades, and the ANZ Coin Toss experience has been a key part of that. We hope this experience inspires the next generation of Black Caps and White Ferns to follow their dreams.”
Applications for the opportunity to take part in the ANZ Coin Toss experience are still open. Apply via www.anzcricketworld.co.nz.
