NAGPUR: City's Lokesh Marghade weaved a match-winning 37-run knock to guide India Blue to the title victory in Deepak Lohiya memorial T20 trophy for specially-abled in Bhiwani. They defeated Indian Green by 3 wickets in the title decider.
Right-hander Lokesh, who is the only specially-abled player in Nagpur to play Vidarbha's Cricket Association's renowned Guzder League, was also the second highest run-getter in the meet.
In the final, Lokesh compiled 29 runs and tournament's top scorer Shivashankara GS scored 37 runs as India Blue chased down the target of 125 scoring 127 for 7 in 18.3 overs. Lokesh and Shivashankara were involved in match-defining 59-run stand for the third wicket.
Earlier, India Green managed 124 in 20 overs. Tusar Paul scored 38 runs, while Nagpur's Arjun Vaidya and M Sadik both notched-up 16 runs each.
The tournament was played by five specially-abled cricketers from Nagpur - Lokesh, Nagesh Ingle, Arjun, Rohan Bhoir and Gurudas Raut. While Marghade played for India Blue, Ingle and Vaidya were part of India Green, and Bhoir and Raut represented India Red.
In the league stage, Raut and Bhoir played prominent knocks for their side. Raut had scored 29 runs against India Blue. In the next match, Bhoir top-scored with 24 runs against India Green.
In the inaugural match of the tournament, Vaidya batted well for his 26 runs and took India Green to 133-run total which was successfully defended despite Lokesh's effort while chasing. Lokesh was the top-scorer with 32 runs but they lost the battle by one run.
Physically challenged cricket association, Nagpur, congratulated all the players for doing their best in one of the prestigious tournaments in the country. Players also thanked the association and its members for their constant support and encouragement.
