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India National Cricket Team captain Shreyas Iyer played a fantastic knock under pressure and brought up a quickfire half-century in just 22 balls during the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand National Cricket Team at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday (November 1).
But it was not just the Indian captain’s batting that caught everyone's attention. Iyer came up with a rather unusual celebration after reaching his fifty, leaving everyone curious about its meaning. Earlier, Shreyas Iyer equals Rohit Sharma's special T20I record after brilliant fifty in Hamilton.
Shreyas Iyer brings famous Mana Wave to cricket after hitting fifty in 5th IND vs NZ
Shreyas Iyer reached his half-century in the 12th over of India's innings against Nathan Smith. The New Zealand pacer bowled a high full toss towards his body, but the Indian batter handled it cleverly and flicked it towards a deep backward square leg for a boundary.
That shot took Iyer to 50 runs in just 22 deliveries. After completing his fifty, the right-handed batter made a unique movement with his hand and arm, which immediately caught the attention of the commentators. Iyer brought one hand close to the shoulder and then quickly threw it outwards, almost like making a wave to celebrate his milestone in Hamilton.
The gesture was different from the usual celebrations seen in cricket, and it had a connection with the country where the match was being played. It has a special connection with New Zealand and is popularly known as the Mana Wave.
The commentators also referred to it as the Manawatu celebration during the final T20I. This gesture has an interesting story, and it has become quite popular in New Zealand over the last few years.
Shreyas Iyer brings the Mana wave to the middle! 🤌 Watch the HERO VIDA India Tour of New Zealand 5th T20I, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV. #SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #SonyVizha #NZvIND https://t.co/HKFbDHTqyI
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New Zealand's famous Mana Wave and its Roots
The Mana Wave is a popular greeting gesture in New Zealand. It became famous because of Raana Te Hau, a road worker who used to entertain motorists stuck in traffic. Te Hau would greet passing drivers with a special hand movement.
His cheerful way of interacting with people became popular, and videos of his gestures went viral on social media. Soon, the Mana Wave became famous across New Zealand.
There is also a cultural meaning behind the gesture. The word "mana" comes from the Māori language and is connected with prestige, dignity, authority, spiritual power, and respect. Amid this, Crazy Kuldeep Yadav stat shows how he is being wasted under Gautam Gambhir.
Shreyas Iyer brings back famous Mana Wave from Paris Olympics
The Mana Wave received worldwide attention during the Paris 2024 Olympics. New Zealand athletes embraced the gesture during their celebrations, making it popular among sports fans as well.
Kayaker Finn Butcher performed the gesture before his race and repeated it after winning the gold medal. Members of New Zealand's women's rugby team, the Black Ferns, also used the gesture during their celebrations.
And now, Iyer reminded everyone of the Mana Wave and won hearts.
Speaking about the match, Iyer’s fifty went in vain as New Zealand won the final T20I by seven wickets, although India clinched the series having won the first three matches against New Zealand.
