India’s Mixed Disability team recreates Ganguly’s Lord’s celebration after 118-run win

India’s Mixed Disability cricket team defeated England by 118 runs in a T20 match at Lord’s on 19 August, recreating Sourav Ganguly’s famous shirt-waving celebration from the 2002 NatWest Trophy final. The victory occurred during the Festival of Disability Cricket, where the mixed-disability format combines players with physical, hearing, and learning impairments.

India posted a score of 206 for four, their highest total in the seven-match series. The batting effort was shared among several players, with Arjun Gaware, Major Magray, and Sai Akash contributing significantly. England’s bowlers struggled to contain the scoring, with Alfie Pyle taking two wickets but unable to prevent a high total.

England were bowled out for 88, failing to chase down the target. Although England had already secured the series 4-3, the result marked a significant moment at the venue. The team had not previously recorded a win at Lord’s in this series, and the loss meant their wait for a victory at the ground continues.

England captain Callum Flynn expressed disappointment at the outcome, noting that the team had fought hard throughout the series. He highlighted the significance of playing at Lord’s for players with disabilities, stating that some had imagined they would never get the chance to play there. Flynn indicated that the next step for the team is to secure a win at the venue, hopefully within a year.

The recreation of Ganguly’s 2002 celebration served as a symbolic link between the current event and cricket history. The Indian players took off their shirts and waved them in the air, mirroring the iconic moment from 24 years prior. This gesture underscored the cultural and historical resonance of the match for the Indian team.

The match concluded with India completing a 118-run win, a result that was celebrated by the players and spectators. The event highlighted the growing profile of disability cricket and the importance of providing opportunities for athletes with varied impairments to compete at prestigious venues.