AICAD XI crowned Usha Deaf IPL 2017 champions

The All India Cricket Association for the Deaf team (AICAD XI) lifted the Usha Deaf IPL 2017 trophy after defeating Team Ravi XI by two wickets in the final held at the Lovely Professional University ground here on Friday.

Chasing a target of 113, AICAD XI rode on Kareemuddin and T.Harikrishna, who scored 25 runs each to walk away with the trophy with one over to spare.

Kareemuddin blasted two sixes in his knock. For Ravi XI, Pankaj Kumar was the pick of the bowlers, returning with four wickets from his four overs

Earlier, Ravi XI all-rounder Abhishek Singh top-scored with 30 runs to help his team reach 112/7 after being sent into bat.

Karan Vinde emerged the top wicket-taker for the AICAD XI with three scalps.

Abhishek was adjudged the Man-of-the-Match and the Man-of-the-Series for his all-round show.

Ludhiana income tax chief commissioner, Binay Kumar Jha who was the chief guest at the post-match presentation gave away the awards.

A total of six teams with players from 23 states took part in the three-day Usha Deaf IPL.

Speaking about the event, Usha International events head, Komal Mehra said: "Usha International is proud to be associated with such a wonderful endeavour in its second season. We at Usha care for people and are committed to promote sports and an active lifestyle, across all demographics and help to provide a platform not only to the youth but also for the differently-abled sports enthusiasts."

"It is inspirational to see their skill and enthusiasm against all odds, competing in a national level tournament. With more than 250 hearing and speech impaired cricketers from India and abroad participating this year, we are honoured to be part of such an endeavour," she added.

--IANS

tri/gau/dg