Flat Bush cricketer, 12-year-old Hope Lotu-Iiga, scored a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the superstars on the pitch at the Blackcaps versus Sri Lanka match at Eden Park on Sunday when she won the chance to be an ANZ Coin Toss Kid.
Elim Christian College student Hope, who plays for Howick Pakuranga Cricket Club, won the opportunity to take part in the ANZ Coin Toss experience where she joined the captains Tom Latham and Dasun Shanaka for the pre-match toss to determine who would bat or bowl first.
Hope said her favourite part of the experience was being out on the field with all the players.
“It was amazing getting to meet all the players and getting my bat signed by them. It was pretty cool that I got to see what it was like for the players being out on the field in front of the big crowd. And I really enjoyed being part of the match with all the officials during the Coin Toss.”
She was joined by her Mum, Dad, Grandma and little brother, who loved seeing Hope standing alongside her cricketing heroes, and staying to enjoy the game – even though the BlackCaps lost.
“It was a very exciting game, the Super Over was really intense; there were lots of different ways it could go. It’s amazing to be there, there’s such an energy in the crowd.”
Hope started playing cricket three years ago after enjoying the game during a school competition, and says she hopes to become a White Fern when she’s older. “It would be amazing to represent New Zealand. It’s something very special and something I would really enjoy,” she says.
ANZ Bank New Zealand head of sponsorship Sarah Rogan said ANZ is proud to be able to give young fans like Hope 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 BlackCaps 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.
