Blind World Cup: India pip Pakistan to retain crown

Team Udayavani, Jan 21, 2018, 10:10 AM IST

Sharjah: Sunil Ramesh slammed a superb 93 as India defeated arch rivals Pakistan by two wickets in a thrilling summit clash to retain the Blind World Cup title here on Saturday. Batting first, Pakistan amassed 307/8, courtesy some useful contributions from Badar Munir (57), Riasat Khan (48) and captain Nisar Ali (47).

Ramesh then led the run chase as India overhauled the target with eight balls to spare to retain the trophy that they had won in 2014 after beating the same opponents at Cape Town, South Africa. India struggled in the final stages of their run chase as Pakistan claimed three successive wickets to gain an upper hand over their arch-rivals.

However, a wide delivery rolled on to the boundary and the pendulum swung back in India’s favour. India had beaten Pakistan on January 13 in the group stage. The defending champions had beaten Bangladesh by seven wickets in the semifinal.

Accolades poured in for the Indian team with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulating the team for their achievement. “Congratulations to our cricket team for winning the 2018 Blind Cricket World Cup! They make the nation proud and inspire every Indian with their game as well as phenomenal attitude. True champions!,” Modi wrote on his twitter handle. Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh also heaped praise on the team.