Proud! India registers emphatic victory over arch-rival Pakistan in finals to retain Blind Cricket World Cup Trophy
Sharjah, January 21: Defending champions India created a history on Saturday after winning the ODI Blind Cricket World Cup title for the second consecutive time. Indian team continuing its dominance in ODI Blind Cricket World Cup registered an emphatic victory over arch-rival Pakistan to notch the trophy at Sharjah Cricket Ground, UAE.
Chasing 309 in 40 overs, India reached the target in 38 overs with two wickets in hand and spread the joy amongst all millions of Indian fans and retained the title. India is also the T20 world champions in blind cricket. However, in the dramatic finals, India won the toss and invited Pakistan to bat first.
The start was good for Pakistan as they maintained a steady run-rate of 6 per over to reach 66 in 11 overs. It was in the 12th over when India got the first breakthrough as Mosin Khan after scoring 31 runs was caught by Sunil of Deepak Malik.
Sunil again showing his brilliance on the field gave India the second breakthrough as he ran out Amir on 10 runs in the 15th over. Pakistan's Badar Munir decided to up the ante after their two blows as he reached 50-run mark but in the 20th over, he also fell at 57. On the other side, the Indian fielders were brilliant on the field and got the fourth wicket through a run-out. D Venkateshwara Rao was the hero this time as he got Rashid on just 14 runs.
Pakistan reached the 200-run mark in the 27th over but by then Sunil had struck yet again by dismissing Nisar Ali at 47 runs. With only 13 more overs left, Pakistan decided to raise the run rate and reached 259/5 in 34 overs. Finally, Rambir bowled Riyasat Khan at 48 runs to break the sixth wicket partnership.
Sanaullah scored 28 runs and continued to strike at the other end and helped Pakistan reached 290 in 38 overs. Though, he got out the tail-enders anyhow managed to add 18 more runs in the last two overs.
Facing the heat of the finals, openers Venkateswara and Prakash Jayaramaiah played their natural game and took India to 65 runs in eight overs. Though Venkateswara departed for 35, India continued their onslaught.
India reached 111/1 in 15 overs before the other opener Prakash at the score of 44 runs got run out. India lost another wicket in the 16th over as they stumbled. But Sunil and captain Ajai held on together to take India to 264/3 in 34 overs, with India needing 44 off 36 balls.
In the 35th over Sunil failed to get his century and get out to Amir Ishfaq after scoring 93 runs and the team again seemed to lose their way. Ajai was also departed soon at the score of 62 while Mahender followed him quickly as India were six down. With six needed off 12 balls, India lost two wickets in the 39th over. But stayed calm till the end to notch a memorable win.
Earlier, in the semifinals, India defeated Bangladesh by 7 wickets while Pakistan qualified for the final after defeating Sri Lanka. India remained unbeaten throughout this tournament and retained their title. India and Pakistan faced each other for the third time in the final of the 50-over Blind Cricket World Cup tournament. In 2014 world cup, India had same opposition and won the tournament.