It was a dream final of a World Cup cricket. Yes, it was a final between arch rivals India and Pakistan in the World Cup finals of a different kind. Yes, we are talking about the finals of the Cricket World Cup for the blinds and it was won by India, but mind you not before some of the nails was crushed out of few finger tips. India Vs Pakistan itself is interesting stuff in any sports, especially in cricket. Till today India has never played against Pakistan in a one day international world cup final in proper cricket, but it has happened in blinds cricket yesterday.
The final was played at the Wally Wilson Cricket Ground in Cape Town, South Africa. Pakistan was asked to bat first after India won the toss. Pakistan with the help of Mohammad Jamil’s 102 runs (11 fours and 1 SIX) pilled up remarkable 389 for 7 in their allotted 40 overs. The middle order batsman Mohammad Akram too gave a helping hand by hitting 75 runs from just 43 balls in which he scored 8 fours and 1 six, he remained not out. Amol Dattaray was the only Indian bowler who could show better performance by taking two wickets from his 8 overs.
While chasing the mammoth target of 390 India had a worst possible start as they lost two wickets before even reaching the score of 50. But Deepak and Rao put up a 78 runs partnership for the 3rd wicket which helped to steady the ship. Then again India lost two quick wickets but then Prakasha Jayaramaiah’s quick fire 82 from just 38 balls finally sealed the game and the World Cup for India with only 2 balls to spare. Jayaramaiah hit 11 fours and 1 six in his fiery innings. Two more Indian batsmen Ketanbhai Bhagubhai Patel and Ajay Reddy too helped the cause by scoring 76 and 74 runs respectively. Reddy remained not out. India by the way chased down the total by losing just 5 wickets in the end.
What more made things more interesting that in the opening round match Pakistan had beaten India by 7 wickets so India took revenge by beating them in the finals as well. Pakistan was the defending champions prior to the final and they have been part of the all four Blind Cricket World Cups played till date.
Picture Courtesy: Sportskeeda
