India A Triumphs in Physical Disability T20 Series at Wankhede Stadium

India A Secures Victory

In a thrilling conclusion to the three-match Physical Disability T20 series, India A managed to secure a win against India Senior at the historic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. Despite a remarkable performance by GS Shiva Shankara from India Senior, the match ended with India A claiming victory.

Competitive Score Set by India A

Choosing to bat first, India A scored 164 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Key contributions came from Akash Sanap (32 runs), Prasad Chavan (31 runs), and Jitendra VN (25 runs). Sunny Goyal was the standout bowler for India Senior, taking 3 wickets for 17 runs, while Imran Khan claimed 2 wickets for 49 runs.

Promoting Inclusivity in Sports

Unmesh Khanvilkar, Secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), emphasized that this series signifies more than just competitive matches. He stated, "It embodies our shared commitment to inclusivity, equality, and opportunity for all athletes, regardless of their physical or intellectual challenges. Sports serve as a vital platform for empowerment, allowing these talented players to showcase their skills and dedication."

He further added, "Our aim extends beyond mere participation; we strive to prepare these cricketers for higher levels of competition, from regional to national and international stages, enabling them to pursue their cricketing aspirations with pride. We are inspired by the ongoing efforts of the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra in fostering sports inclusivity and talent development."

Shankara's Remarkable Performance

In response, India Senior faced significant challenges, losing wickets consistently and finding themselves at 38 for five and later at 81 for eight. The only notable performer was GS Shiva Shankara, who scored an impressive 67 runs off 43 balls, including four boundaries and five sixes. Ultimately, India Senior was bowled out for 136 runs in 19.3 overs.

A Dream Come True for Players

For India A, the bowling attack was led by Nonsola Adil (3 wickets for 40 runs), G Prashant (2 wickets for 15 runs), and Mohammed Sadiq (2 wickets for 3 runs). Ravi Chauhan, Secretary General of DCCI, remarked, "Playing at the iconic Wankhede Stadium has been a dream come true for our Physical Disability Cricketers. This opportunity highlights that they are now receiving the same respect and recognition as mainstream players."

Recognition and Awards

Each player of the match received a cash prize of Rs 11,000, while Wasim Iqbal from India Senior was awarded Rs 21,000 as the player of the series by the MCA.

Shiva Shankara, who was named player of the match in the final game, expressed his excitement about participating in the series, stating, "It has been an incredible experience to play at the iconic Wankhede Stadium."

Hailing from Bengaluru, Shiva Shankara plays using only his left hand and embraces the challenges of competing at this level. He shared, "It is tough, but I train regularly at the gym at least three to four times a week. I also play with able-bodied cricketers in corporate tournaments and have performed well. I am grateful to Ravi Kant Chauhan and his team for their support."

Match Summary:

India A: 164/8 in 20 overs (Akash Sanap 32, Prasad Chavan 31, Jitendra VN 25; Sunny Goyal 3/17, Imran Khan 2/49)

India Senior: 136 all out in 19.3 overs (Shiva Shankara 67, Sunny Goyal 21; Nonsola Adil 3/40, Mohammed Sadiq 2/3, G Prashant 2/15).