Nepal wicketkeeper-batsman Aasif Sheikh won the International Cricket Council (ICC) Spirit of Cricket Award 2022 on Thursday.

Sheikh received the accolade for his decision not to run out Andy McBrine after the Irish star tripped while attempting a run during the sixth match of the Oman Quadrangular T20I series in Al Amrat on February 14 last year.

Sheikh becomes the first Nepali cricketer to receive the annual award that recognises a player or team upholding the spirit of the game.

Ireland, who were put into bat first, were struggling at 113-8 at the end of the 18th over and needed a late flourish with the bat to post a fighting total.

Mark Adair went for a big heave over leg side off the third ball of the 19th over, but the ball hit his leg and dropped towards the leg side. Bowler Kamal Singh Airee attempted to retrieve the ball, but collided with Andy McBrine. As a result, the non-striker tripped and fell halfway on the pitch.

The bowler quickly got to the ball and threw it to keeper Aasif Sheikh. McBrine was well short of his crease at that point. However, Aasif decided not to whip the bails off—a gesture that received widespread recognition across the cricketing fraternity.

Sheikh was honoured with the award for his noble gesture.

Ireland ended up posting 127 and Nepal fell 17 runs short as they were bowled out for 111-9.