Ajman: Holders India made a strong start in their title-defence of the fifth ODI Blind Cricket World Cup, winning both their back-to-back opening matches over the weekend. They beat Pakistan by seven wickets on Friday, followed by a huge 10-wicket wicket win over Bangladesh on Saturday.
In the first game, India restricted Pakistan to 282 for eight wickets in the stipulated 40 overs with some tight bowling and smart fielding. For Pakistan, Mohammad Jamil and captain Nisar Ali had a partnership of 137 runs for the third wicket before Nisar was bowled by Ajay Reddy.
India comfortably chased down the total in 34.5 overs by just losing only three wickets. Deepak’s unbeaten 79 of 71 balls, with eight boundaries and Venkatesh’s swift 64 of 55 balls and electrifying 47 of captain Ajay (34 deliveries) set up the victory. An unbeaten fourth wicket partnership of 106 between Ajay and Deepak sealed the game.
India then beat Bangladesh by 10 wickets, riding on a fine partnership between skipper Reddy and Sunil Ramesh, to continue to be on top position on the points table.
Electing to bat, Bangladesh scored 226 in the stipulated 40 Overs by losing 8 wickets. In reply, India chased 227 without losing a Wicket in 18.4 Overs. Skipper Reddy was unbeaten on 101 off 60 balls, while Ramesh scored 105 of 57 balls with the help of 17 fours.
