Budding Invercargill cricketer, 7-year-old Atri Prasanth said at first, he was “a little bit scared,” to meet his cricket heroes last weekend at the Blackcaps vs Pakistan match at Hagley Oval.

His fears quickly turned to delight however, as he took part in the pre-match coin toss with captains Kane Williamson and Mohammad Rizwan, as they decided who would bat and bowl.

Young Atri, who attended Windsor North School last year, won the opportunity to be a Coin Toss kid through the ANZ Coin Toss competition.

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He said his favourite part was “meeting the players and talking to them”.

He also got to hold the New Zealand flag before he got photos taken with his cricketing heroes and got their signatures. 

Atri said he could not wait to tell all his new classmates when he moves school this year.

Applications to win the chance to take part in the ANZ Coin Toss experience are still open and local kids from across the country are encouraged to apply. 

Head of Sponsorship at ANZ, Sue McGregor said Atri was one of 22 promising young cricketers chosen to take part in the pre-match custom this cricket season.

“After such a tough year it has been even more apparent the important role that sport and our sporting heroes play to inspire our future generations.”

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She said the Coin Toss experience was part of ANZ’s long-standing support of Kiwi cricketers. 

“We are so pleased to be able to continue creating these once in a lifetime opportunity for our future Blackcaps and White Ferns. Getting to meet their heroes is something we hope will stay with them for years to come.”

Since 2009, ANZ has given more than $1 million to local cricket players, teams and clubs. 

And this year ANZ donated $1 million in grants to grassroots cricket and netball clubs to help them get back up and running after Covid-19.

Apply for the Coin Toss Experience or for an ANZ Cricket Grant HERE.