Blind cricketers capture LIME T20 challenge

A controlled innings of 38 not out from Gregory Stewart guided Jamaica's Crusaders visually impaired (blind) cricket team to a series-winning nine-wicket win over the United Kingdom's Pirates in the LIME Disability Cricket Twenty20 Challenge at Melbourne Oval, yesterday.

Stewart, who got valuable support from Loushane Miles, 30 not out, hit three fours in his knock, which gave the Jamaicans a 2-0 series lead in their best-of-three clash.

Simon Ledwith, 25 and Ryan Jones, 15, had earlier topscored for the Pirates' against the bowling of Miles, 1-8. There were eight run outs in the innings.

The third and final match of the series will be played at LIME, Chalmers Avenue, today.

Jamaica, thanks to a knock of 113 not out from Dennol Shim, defeated the visitors by six wickets in the opening game at Mona Hockey Field.

Mixed-disability match-up

In the challenge's second match-up, the Pirates' mixed disability team (physical and learning disability) defeated their Jamaican counterparts by 51 runs to also clinch an unassailable 2-0 series lead, heading into today's final match.

Batting first, the Pirates posted 167-3 off their allotment of overs with Lee Walker getting 68 not out against Jenard Williams 2-29. The Crusaders in their reply were then bowled out for 116 off 17.3 overs thanks to Ruzivo Kamiwuru 2-8, and John Kenward 2-28.

Shamar Tingling and Toto Campbell, 20 each, made most runs for the home team.

"Our mixed-physical team wanted to win the series and they did that very well," said Danny Baker, coach of the Pirates.

"The blind team, in the meantime, needed to develop their skills, and to play against a strong Jamaican contingent, I thought they did well.

"Everybody is now dedicated to Wednesday where we hope to top off the series in fine style," he added.