SHARJAH: Sunil Ramesh slammed a superb 93 as India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by two wickets in a thrilling final to retain the Blind Cricket World Cup title here on Saturday.

Batting first, Pakistan amassed 308-8 in the stipulated 40 overs with useful contributions from Badar Munir (57), Riasat Khan (48) and captain Nisar Ali (47).

Ramesh then led the run chase as India overhauled the target with eight balls to spare to retain the trophy that they won in 2014 after beating the same opponents in Cape Town.

India struggled in the final stages of their run chase as Pakistan claimed three successive wickets to gain an upper hand over their rivals.

However, a wide delivery rolled on to the boundary and the pendulum swung back in India’s favour.

India had beaten Pakistan in the group stage of the tournament. The defending champions then outclassed Bangladesh by seven wickets in the semi-final.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2018