Mixed Disability T20I
India wins its first match by 7 wickets
Dr. Shrikrishna Sharma
New Delhi. India made a brilliant start in the five-match India vs England Mixed Disability T20 International series, which began at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium in Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh). The Indian team started their winning streak with a strong performance, defeating England by 7 wickets in their first match. After losing the toss and batting first, the England team scored 173 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. England captain Callum Flynn played a quick-fire innings, scoring 26 runs off 16 balls. While Liam O’Brien played a composed innings of 55 runs off 41 balls, which included four fours and three sixes. Wicketkeeper-batsman Angus Grant Brown made a valuable contribution in the final overs, scoring 53 runs off 34 balls, enabling England to cross the 170-run mark.
For India, bowlers Akash Singh and Vivek Kumar took crucial wickets, preventing England from building big partnerships.
In reply, India chased down the target in 18.5 overs, losing only 3 wickets. The hero of India’s victory was wicketkeeper-batsman Yogendra Bhadoria. He played a magnificent innings of 94 runs off 59 balls, which included six fours and five sixes, providing strength and momentum to the run chase. Yogendra Bhadoria was chosen as the ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding performance. The award was presented by Sharad Pathak (Housing). Ms. Ritu Mathur and Sanjay Sachdeva from BPCL were also present on the occasion. Yogendra received excellent support from Akash Singh, who scored a quick 36 runs off just 15 balls, putting pressure on the English bowlers. Arjun Gavare added 13 runs, while Majid (12 not out) and captain Ravindra Sante (11 not out) ensured India’s victory without any further loss of wickets. With this win, India has taken a 1-0 lead in the series. This series is being played with the objective of promoting inclusion by bringing together physically, hearing, and intellectually challenged players in an international format.
Present at the occasion were Ms. Lakshmi Singh, Police Commissioner of Gautam Buddha Nagar, Tejpal Nagar, MLA of Dadri, and Lakshmi V.S., ACO of Greater Noida Authority (Planning). After the match, Yogendra Bhadoria said, “This award means a lot to me, but it truly belongs to the entire team. We played with confidence, and contributing to a series like this, which symbolizes inclusion and equal opportunity, is special.” (Sports Editor)
