In a thrilling display of batting prowess, the Indian men's blind cricket team secured a resounding victory over Sri Lanka by 7 wickets in the third T20 of the Samarth Championship for Blind Cricket, held at the Karnail Singh Stadium.
Pankaj Bhue, Dinesh Rathva, Naresh Tumda, and Lokesh showcased remarkable contributions as India successfully chased down the target with 27 balls to spare. Sri Lanka, batting first, posted a competitive total of 162/3 in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of a brilliant fifty by Chandana Deshapriya.
This victory firmly seals India's dominance in the five-match series, establishing an insurmountable 3-0 lead.
Opting to field first after winning the toss, India witnessed Sri Lanka making a decent start but losing two crucial wickets within the power play. In a crucial juncture, Deshapriya and skipper Damith Sandaruwan took charge, steering Sri Lanka's innings with resilience.
Deshapriya's impressive knock of 76 runs off 63 balls, coupled with Sandaruwan's contribution of 46 runs off 47 balls, propelled Sri Lanka to a competitive total of 162/3. Pankaj Bhue claimed a wicket for India during this phase.
Chasing a target of 163, India commenced their innings strongly, amassing 75 runs within the first 8 overs. The duo of Pankaj and Dinesh laid a solid foundation for the chase, instilling confidence in the Indian camp to clinch the series.
Although India lost Dinesh in the 8th over and Pankaj in the 12th over, the momentum of the chase remained unaffected as the team continued to display resilience. Naresh Tumda and Lokesha showcased composure, guiding India across the finish line in the 16th over, reaffirming their supremacy over the visiting Sri Lankan side. India achieved the target, making 164/3 in just 15.3 overs.
With this commanding victory, India sets the stage for the fourth T20 encounter against Sri Lanka, scheduled for Thursday, as they aim to maintain their unbeaten streak in the series.
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