India defended their Blind Cricket World Cup title after defeating Pakistan by two wickets in the final in Sharjah on Saturday. It was a nail-biting finish at the end when Pakistan got two wickets in the final 11 deliveries.
But, India managed to hold their nerve and got over the line while chasing a target of 308 runs.
After deciding to field first, India restricted Pakistan to 307/8 in 40 overs. Badar Munir, Riasat Khan and captain Nisar Ali starred with the bat for Pakistan. Munir, Riasat and Nisar scored 57, 48 and 47 runs respectively.
India started their chase with a great start. They reached 111/1 in 15 overs, but then lost two quick wickets to be reduced to 116/3 by the end of the 16th over.
Sunil Ramesh and Ajay Reddy then got together and strung a partnership. Ramesh and Reddy put India in the driver’s seat until both were dismissed by the 25th over. India were at 190/3. Ramesh scored 93 runs and Ajay notched 62 runs.
Once Ajay fell, India lost 2 quick wickets. But India held on and made their way to another World Cup title.
ICC CEO David Richardson, former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas and 1983 World Cup winner Syed Kirmani were invited by the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council to watch the final.
(We Indians have much to talk about these days. But what would you tell India if you had the chance? Pick up the phone and write or record your Letter To India. Don’t be silent, tell her how you feel. Mail us your letter at lettertoindia@thequint.com. We’ll make sure India gets your message.)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)