Lankans lose to India in the semi-final
Sri Lanka blind cricketers missed the opportunity of playing in the Blind Cricket 2014 World Cup finals as they faced a heavy defeat at the hands of neighbours India in the semi-final played at the Gary Kirstan Grounds, Cape Town last week.
India batting first went on a rampage to build-up a mammoth total of 407 in 39.3 overs. Opener Shakar Naik Lachma was in superb touch to score 150 runs while Ketanbhai Babughai Patel with 52 and Prakasha Jayaramaiah with 67 were the other main contributors. Sri Lankan bowlers were sent on a leather hunt as every bowler gave away over 10 per over.
Chasing a big score and though they failed to cope with the Indian attack but managed to score a respectable score of 273 for 9 in their allotted 40 overs. Chandana Deshapriya Wanniarachchige who had a good tournament again top scored with 79 runs and the tail-enders Suranga Sampath (65) and Dallalage Chaminda (46) made a brave attempt to see Sri Lanka through in the latter stages. Shekar Naik Lachma was the most successful Indian Bowler to capture 4 for 47.
India 407 all out in 39.3 overs (Shekar Naik Lachma 150, Ketanbhai Patel 52, Prakash Jayaramaiah 67, Ajayakumar Illuri 22, W.M. Suranga 2 for 60 (6 overs), E.P. Saman Kumara 2 for 71 (7overs)
Sri Lanka 273 for 9 wickets in 40 overs (Chandana Deshapriya 79, Suranga Sampath 65, Dadallage Chaminda 46, Shekar Naik Lachma 4 for 47) – LR