Odisha Channel Bureau
BHUBANESWAR: The city was proud to host a thrilling match of the T20 Cricket World Cup for the Blind at the KIIT university cricket ground here today. The match was of India CAB against New Zealand Blindcaps in which India smashed a victory by 9 wickets.
The highlight of the entire match was a full stadium and the presence of close to 1000 differently abled children from special schools from all across Odisha.
Through a personal invite to all the special schools of Odisha through various governmental and educational departments as well as through Swabhiman by famous Odia actor and brand ambassador for cricket for the blind in Odisha Sabyasachi Mishra, over 1000 children from special schools from various cities turned up to watch the match.
The children screamed, clapped and cheered the players with enthusiasm no less than every other spectator in the crowd.
“I had expected a maximum of 300 children to participate. Presence of these children in such huge numbers is truly motivating by itself. This event was not just a cricket match, but a true learning experience. This will truly encourage them to work hard towards achieving their dreams and ambitions without allowing any physical challenges stand as a hurdle in their paths, said Sabyasachi.
The ninth day of the T20 World Cup for the Blind began on a thrilling start with a stadium overflowing with full stands. The defending champions, IndusInd India CAB took on the New Zealand Blindcaps with West Indies winning the toss and choosing to bat first.
The Blindcaps were restricted to a score of 136/6 on the scoreboard in 20 overs with BD Wilson scoring an undefeated half century and Odisha Star Jafar Iqbal and Ketal Patel picking up 2 and 1 wickets respectively.
In the second innings Captain Ajay Kumar Reddy of Team India displayed extraordinary batsman skill with a score of 75 not out in 28 balls including 14 boundaries and Odisha boy Sukhram Majhi helped him set the score with his 56 runs in 25 balls including 11 boundaries. The duo successfully chased the target in mere 9 overs. MLK McCaskill took the sole wicket of Jafar Iqbal. Sukhram Majhi was awarded the Man of the Match award.
Appreciating the noble cause, many companies and organisations had come forward in support. The match was supported by KIIT University, Odisha Mining Corporation, Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Limited, NALCO, Tata Steel, Sight Savers, Indian Oil Corporation and All India Radio.
