Sri Lanka fans throw birthday party for Williamson in stadium

Saturday, 10 August 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lankan fans react as they give cake to New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson (C), who marked his 29th birthday during the first day of the three day warm-up match between Sri Lanka Board President’s XI and New Zealand, at the Marians Cricket Club Ground in Katunayake on 8 August - Photo by Lakruwan Wanniarachchi / AFP

Reuters: Kane Williamson’s stature as one of the most loved cricketers around was evident again when a group of Sri Lankan fans arranged a special treat on the sidelines of a warm-up match to celebrate the New Zealand captain’s birthday.

A small group of fans turned up at the FTZ Sports Complex with a cake for Williamson who spent most of his 29th birthday watching his team toil in the field in less than ideal conditions in Katunayake on Thursday.During a drinks break, the visiting captain jogged over to the boundary where the fans had gathered with the cake.

The New Zealand skipper took a bite from a piece of cake from a fan and fed the man a piece in return before exchanging high fives with the group and posing for a few selfies.

Sri Lanka Cricket tweeted a few pictures of the moment, with the message “What a way to celebrate the Birthday!”, prompting an outpouring of wishes for Williamson on social media.

Williamson was hailed for his graceful acceptance of New Zealand’s heart-breaking defeat against England via boundary count in the final of this year’s 50-overs World Cup.

New Zealand are scheduled to play a two test-series in Sri Lanka, with the first match starting on 14 August in Galle.