Cricket: Sri Lanka bags Deaf Cricket World Cup

Sri Lanka Deaf cricketers scored a resounding win over India in the final of the World Twenty20  Cricket Championship for Deaf cricketers at Gurgone on Friday (30).
 
Taking first lease of the wicket Sri Lankans scored a respectable 145 for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs. 

Skipper Gimadu Lakroo led from the front to be the top scorer with a polished 41 including two hits to the ropes and two over it. 

Others who made useful contributions were Rajitha Asanka (15), Sampath Jayasinghe (19) and Sumudu Lanka (22). 

Of the Indian bowlers Nadeem Shaik (2 for 17) and Jatindra Thaygi (2 for 32) kept the Lankan batters in check to be the most successful bowlers. 

Indians who have been dominating this format of cricket found difficulty in getting into their stride. 

The Lankan skipper handled his bowlers in an intelligent manner, making his experience in making useful bowling changes. 

Besides, the bowlers were well supported by the fielders who gave their hearts out in defending the total of 145. 

Skipper Lakroo continuing from where he left in batting kept a nagging length to capture 3 for 25 while Asanka Manjula and Sumudu Lanka kept the Indian batsmen quite from the other end to be rewarded with 2 for 21 and 2 for 20 respectively. 

Jatindra Thayagi (21), Zai Akash (29), Rohith Saini (23) and Zahimudin (19) were the top scorers for India who were dismissed for 109 in 17.5 overs. 

Sri Lankan skipper Gimadu Lakroo was adjdged the Man of the Match for his allround performance in contributing for the island nations victory. 

Sri Lanka made their way into the finals to meet India by winning three matches out of four matches in the preliminary round. 

They went ahead in the Super Three round by winning two matches. 

The tournament was participated by host India, Sri Lanka, Australia, South Africa and Nepal. 

The cricketers who made mother Lanka proud were: Rajitha Asanka, Asanka Manjula, Tharaka Sampath, Sumudu Lanka (VC), GL Malkam (C), Ushan Lakshitha, Tharindra Wimalaweera, J Tharanga, Dinuka Sachin, Goyum Shanka, Nuwan Hasaranga, Udaya Lakmal, Lakshan Fernando and Chamara Dilshan 

Sri Lanka 145 for 9 wickets (20) (Gimadu Lakroo, 41, Rajitha Asanka 15, Sampath Jayasinghe 19, Sumudu Lanka 22, Nadeem Shaik 2/17, Jatindra Thayagi 2/32)
 
India 109 all out (17.5) (Jatindra Thayagi 21, Zai Akash 29, Rohith Saini 23, Zahimudin 16, Gimadu Lakroo 3/25, Asanka Manjula 2/21, Sumudu Lanka 2/20)