Cricket match dedicated to train accident victims

Ludhiana, October 20

The fourth T20 cricket match for the visually impaired between India and Sri Lanka played here on the Punjab Agricultural University campus on Saturdayground was dedicated to the train accident victims in Amritsar.

Players, guests and organisers observed a two-minute silence to pay tributes to those who died in this accident on Friday during Dasehra celebrations and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. Black badges were tied on the arms to express sympathy with the affected persons during this tragic incident. Players of both teams sang the national anthems of their respective countries prior to the introduction with chief guest Manpreet Singh Ayali, former MLA.

Indian skipper Ajay Kumar Reddy won the toss and invited the visitors to bat first. They failed to survive for a full quota of 20 overs, as their innings folded in 18.4 overs at 137 runs.

For India, Ajay Kumar, Rambir Singh and Banikeswara captured two wickets each to contain Sri Lankan innings.

India made the required runs in 18 overs after losing just three wickets with two overs to spare. The main contributors were Sunil Ramesh (54), Ajay Kumar (35) and Bhaskar (28) to register a seven-wicket victory.

For the visitors, Tushara and Dinesh Madhubanta claimed a wicket each. Ajay was declared the man of the match.

India won the first three matches in the current series. The fifth and final match will be played in Faridabad on October 22. MP Ravneet Singh Bittu was the chief guest at the prize distribution function. He announced a grant of Rs10 lakh for the ‘Netraheen Ashram’. He also played cricket with the players. Manjinder Singh, superintendent, Braille Bhawan, Jamalpur; Naveen Alawat, secretary, National Federation for Blinds; Gurpreet Singh Chahal, chief organiser, and others were also present.— OC