In a dominant display of power-hitting, opener Wasim Iqbal guided the India Seniors to a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over India A in the second match of the Physical Disability T20 Series at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday. This marks Iqbal's second successive standout performance in the series.
Iqbal's Blistering Knock Seals Chase
Chasing a target of 144, the India Seniors made light work of the total, reaching 144 for 3 in just 14.5 overs. The chase was orchestrated single-handedly by Wasim Iqbal, who remained unbeaten on a spectacular 85 runs from merely 45 deliveries. His innings was studded with eight boundaries and five towering sixes, ensuring his team cruised to victory.
Iqbal found early support from Vrushant Gunjal, who smashed a quickfire 32 off 18 balls, featuring four fours and two sixes. The pair put on a fine 50-run opening partnership that set the perfect platform. From that point, the result was never in doubt, with Iqbal steering the ship home with absolute ease.
India A's Modest Total Despite Late Fightback
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, India A posted a modest total of 143 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Their innings was in trouble at 86 for 6 before a resilient, unbroken seventh-wicket partnership revived their hopes.
Akash Patil (37 not out) and Jitendra VN (35 not out) joined forces to add a crucial 57 runs, helping their team finish on a respectable note. For the India Seniors bowling attack, the wickets were shared around, with economical spells from Vipin (1/15), Vikrant Keni (1/10), Vikas Yadav (1/11), and Jaswant Singh (1/20). Santosh Choube was the pick of the India A bowlers, taking 3 for 24 in the losing cause.
A Dream Realised at the "Lord's of India"
Beyond the result, the overwhelming sentiment from both camps was the sheer privilege of playing at the hallowed Wankhede Stadium. India A skipper Majid Margray, an all-rounder from Anantnag in Kashmir, described the experience as surreal and life-changing.
"This is the Lord's of India and a matter of pride for all of us," said an emotional Margray. He expressed immense gratitude to the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) and the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) for the initiative, highlighting that being in the same dressing room used by cricketing legends was a monumental moment for him and his team.
His counterpart, India Seniors captain and Mumbai-based left-arm spinner Ravindra Sante, echoed these feelings. Sante, who has played at venues like Lord's and Ahmedabad, called the Wankhede experience the best feeling for any cricketer.
"To be at the same venue where India won the 2011 World Cup is a big step up for all of us," Sante remarked. He also shared how he advised younger teammates on sighting the ball at the grand stadium, a crucial preparation for their upcoming series against England.
The third and final match of this landmark series will be played on Thursday at the same venue.
