Published: Feb 12, 2017, 03:19 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 12, 2017, 03:19 PM (IST)
Openers Prakasha Jayaramaiah and skipper Ajay Kumar Reddy handed India an easy 10-wicket win in the T20 Blind World Cup 2017 final against Pakistan at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Prakasha remained unbeaten on 99 off 60, which included as many as 15 fours. With this win, India have retained their title, which they had won back in 2012, incidentally in Bengaluru. For India, the first wicket partnership was worth 112 in 10.2 overs. Reddy was run out for 43 off 31. However, No. 3 batsman Ketan Patel and Prakasha ensured that India eventually got over the line. Pakistan found it difficult to keep the scoring rate in check right from the outset, with the bowlers disappearing to all parts of the ground.
The wicket of Reddy was the only respite for the Pakistan side. Pakistan, who had scored in excess of 300 in most games in the tournament, failed to put up even 200 on the board and as a result found it difficult to defend this total. Pakistan too had gotten off to a good start with the bat, but the Indian bowlers pulled things back in control and in the end, restricted Pakistan to just 197 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. ALSO READ: For them, cricket is the window to their souls…
India, who had already lost to Pakistan in the tournament already in the group stages, always kept themselves ahead of the required run-rate and did not let the game slip at any stage.
There was a nervous moment when Patel was struck at the back of his head and had to walk back to the pavilion for 26 off 13. Venkatesh replaced him, and India eventually got to their target with 14 balls to spare.
Earlier, Pakistan had won the toss and elected to bat first.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan 198 for 8 in 20 overs (Muhammad Jamil 24, Badar Munir 57, EXTRAS 28; Ketan Patel 2 for 29, Mohammad Jaffer Igbal 2 for 33) lost to India 200 for 1 in 17.4 overs (Prakasha Jayaramaiah 99*, Ketan Patel 26, EXTRAS 21) by 9 wickets
