India beat Pakistan to lift the second successive ‘Blind Cricket World Cup’

India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan in a thriller by two wickets to lift the trophy.

Indian blind cricket team | Twitter

India’s visually impaired cricket team emerged victorious in the all-important final of Blind Cricket World Cup on Saturday (January 20) at Sharjah. The Ajay Reddy led Indian blind cricket team beat arch-rivals Pakistan in a thriller by two wickets to lift their second successive title.

Chasing 309 for victory, Sunil Ramesh scored a well composed 93 while skipper Ajay Reddy made 63 as India chased down the total with more than one over to spare. Earlier in the tournament, India had also defeated Pakistan by seven wickets. Moreover, the defending champions remained unbeaten throughout their triumphant journey.

India had thrashed Nepal by eight wickets to enter into the semifinal. Nepal won the toss and decided to bat first. However, India’s spirited performance made sure Nepal could manage only 156 in 37.5 overs.

Prakash Jayaramiah claimed two wickets conceding only 22 runs while Ajay Reddy, Rambir, Prem Kumar and Jafar Iqbal scalped a wicket each. In replay, India chased down the target with utmost ease by losing just two wickets. Mehender contributed with 40 off 30 balls whereas Rambir played an instrumental innings of 38 in 23 balls.

In the semi-final, India had walloped Bangladesh by seven wickets to set up a title clash with Pakistan. Chasing Bangladesh’s score of 257, Ganeshbhai Muhudkar's astonishing 112 off 69 balls sealed the deal for India. Earlier in the group stages India had beaten Bangladesh by 10 wickets.

 

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 20 Jan, 2018

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