The Indian mixed disability cricket team defeated England in the seventh and final T20I at Lord’s, concluding their series with a memorable victory. Following their win, the team recreated Sourav Ganguly’s famous shirt-waving celebration on the Lord’s balcony, reminiscent of his 2002 NatWest Trophy final triumph.
Despite India’s win in this match, England secured the seven-match series with a 4-3 lead. The celebration, captured in a video shared by the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI), quickly gained attention on social media platforms.
Dominant Performance at Lord’s
In the final T20I, India posted a total of 206 for four, which was their highest score of the series. Arjun Gawre was a significant contributor, scoring 68 runs off 44 balls. Captain Majid Magray also played a crucial role, remaining unbeaten with 63 runs from just 19 deliveries. Sai Akash further supported the team’s batting effort.
England’s chase proved challenging, as they were bowled out for 88. Hilal Ahmad Wani led India’s bowling attack, taking four wickets for 21 runs, while Jayesh Parmar claimed three wickets for 14 runs. This strong performance ensured India’s victory by 118 runs.
The mixed disability format integrates players with various impairments, including physical, hearing, and learning disabilities, allowing them to compete together. This inclusive approach highlights the diverse talent within the sport.
Series Outcome and Celebratory Moment
Although India won the final match, England had already clinched the series with a 4-3 lead. England’s captain, Callum Flynn, acknowledged India’s strong performance in the final game, stating that his team had hoped for a victory at Lord’s but ultimately India was too good. Flynn also expressed satisfaction with winning the series overall, noting the rising standard and competition in matches against India.
The DCCI described the celebration as a moment of pure cricketing joy, with players and officials removing their blazers on the Lord’s balcony, with the Tricolour flying. This act mirrored Ganguly’s iconic celebration from 24 years prior, after India’s victory over England in the NatWest Trophy final at the same venue.
The series featured several close contests:
- Wednesday August 5: England Men MD 159-4 beat India Men MD 130-9 by 29 runs
- Friday August 7: India Men’s MD 159 beat England Men Mixed MD 147-4 by 6 runs
- Sunday August 9: India Men’s MD 125-9 beat England Men’s MD 117 by 8 runs
- Wednesday August 12: England Men’s MD 124-8 beat India Men’s MD 117 by 2 runs
- Saturday August 15: England Men’s MD 148-5 beat India Men’s MD 94 by 54 runs
- Sunday August 16: England Men’s MD 154-7 beat India Men’s MD 136-6 by 18 runs
- Wednesday August 19: India Men’s MD 206-4 beat England Men’s MD by 18 runs
Flynn highlighted the significance of playing at Lord’s for cricketers with disabilities, mentioning that many might not have imagined such an opportunity. He also expressed hope for a future win at the iconic venue. For India, the occasion ended on a particularly memorable note on Wednesday, August 19.
Source: m.rediff.com
