Mumbai, Dec 18 (digihunt) – GS Shiva Shankara’s outstanding performance with the bat went in vain as India A clinched a victory in the three-match Physical Disability T20 series, concluding at the historic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.
In the third and final match of the series, India A chose to bat first, posting a total of 164 for eight in their 20 overs. Significant contributions came from Akash Sanap (32), Prasad Chavan (31), and Jitendra VN (25). For India Senior, the standout bowlers were Sunny Goyal, claiming 3 wickets for 17 runs, and Imran Khan with figures of 2 for 49.
In response, India Senior faced a challenging start, losing wickets frequently. They found themselves struggling at 38 for five and further slid to 81 for eight. The sole impressive performance came from GS Shiva Shankara, who scored a fighting 67 runs off 43 balls, including four boundaries and five sixes. Ultimately, India Senior was bowled out for 136 in 19.3 overs. On the bowling side, India A’s Nonsola Adil shone with 3 wickets for 40 runs, while G Prashant picked up 2 for 15 and Mohammed Sadiq finished with 2 for 3.
Each player of the match in the series received Rs 11,000, and the player of the series, Wasim Iqbal from India Senior, was awarded Rs 21,000 by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). Shiva Shankara, named player of the match in the final game, expressed his excitement about participating in the series.
“It has been a terrific experience to play at the iconic Wankhede Stadium,” stated Shiva Shankara.
Hailing from Bengaluru, Shiva Shankara plays using only his left hand and embraces the challenge of competing at this level. “It is difficult, but I train quite regularly in the gym at least three to four times a week. I play regularly with able-bodied cricketers in corporate tournaments and have scored heavily. I can only thank Mr. Ravi Kant Chauhan and his team for all their efforts,” he added.
Prof. Dr. Unmesh Khanvilkar, Secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association, remarked: “This historic series—the first initiative of its kind in the country, undertaken under the visionary leadership of our President Ajinkya Naik—represents far more than a set of competitive matches. It reflects our collective belief in inclusivity, equality, dignity, and opportunity for every sportsperson, irrespective of physical or intellectual ability. Sport has always been a powerful platform for empowerment. Providing these talented athletes with a structured and competitive stage validates their skill, passion, and commitment. At the Mumbai Cricket Association, we remain firmly committed to backing every cricketer with talent, heart, and determination—because ability and excellence know no boundaries. I wish all the participants the very best and look forward to witnessing inspiring and memorable cricket.”
Ravi Chauhan, Secretary General of the DCCI, added: “Playing at the iconic Wankhede Stadium was a dream come true for our Physical Disability Cricketers. This opportunity proves that physical disability cricketers are now receiving the same respect, recognition, and platform as mainstream players. Heartfelt gratitude to ICC Chairman Jay Shah for his visionary efforts in bringing divyang cricket into the mainstream and securing BCCI support for a game that has been growing for over 40 years. A special thank you to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) for taking this historic step, and to MCA President Ajinkya Naik for fulfilling the dream of our divyang cricketers by giving them the opportunity to play at Wankhede and for leading from the front in support of differently-abled cricket. A milestone moment for divyang cricket and an inspiration for generations to come.”
–digihunt
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