The opening clash of the Physical Disability T20 Series at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium on December 16, 2025, delivered a dazzling showcase of talent, teamwork, and tenacity. India B, led by a remarkable innings from opening batter Wasim Iqbal, stormed to an emphatic 83-run victory over India A, setting the tone for what promises to be a riveting three-match series.
Stepping onto the pitch with determination, Wasim Iqbal wasted no time in stamping his authority. Facing the new ball, Iqbal played with a blend of composure and aggression, racing to 66 runs off just 51 deliveries. His innings was studded with crisp boundaries and clever running between the wickets, leaving the opposition bowlers searching for answers. The partnership he forged with Vikrant Keni proved pivotal—together, the pair amassed a vital 77 runs for the second wicket, steadying the ship after the early loss of a wicket and laying a solid foundation for India B’s imposing total.
As the runs piled up, GS Shiva provided further impetus to the innings. His contribution of 41 runs was marked by calculated risk-taking and sharp shot selection, while Keni’s steady 23 ensured the scoreboard kept moving. The trio’s efforts propelled India B to a commanding 170 for nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs—a total that would soon prove well beyond reach for their counterparts.
India A’s bowlers, though outmatched for much of the innings, found a glimmer of hope in Jeetendra VN. His figures of 2 for 23 were a testament to his skill and persistence, as he managed to break through the partnership and momentarily stem the flow of runs. Yet, the damage had been done. The rest of the bowling attack struggled to contain Iqbal and company, with boundaries flowing freely and pressure mounting with each passing over.
Chasing a daunting target under the bright lights of the Wankhede, India A’s batting lineup faced an uphill battle from the outset. Akash Patil, showing glimpses of resilience, top-scored with 30 runs. However, he found little support from the rest of the order, as wickets tumbled at regular intervals. The India B bowlers, led by the relentless Ganesh Pisal, kept the pressure on with disciplined lines and sharp fielding. Pisal’s spell was nothing short of sensational—he claimed four wickets for just 25 runs, dismantling the heart of India A’s batting and snuffing out any hopes of a dramatic chase.
By the 16.5th over, India A’s innings had unraveled. Bowled out for a paltry 87, they fell short by a massive margin of 83 runs. The result not only handed India B a 1-0 lead in the series but also sent a clear message about their intent and capabilities.
Reflecting on the match, it’s hard not to marvel at Wasim Iqbal’s performance. His 66 off 51 balls wasn’t just a display of technical prowess—it was a statement of confidence and ambition. Supported ably by Keni and Shiva, Iqbal’s knock set the rhythm for India B’s dominance. The 77-run partnership for the second wicket was the backbone of the innings, frustrating India A’s bowlers and energizing the India B dugout.
On the bowling front, Ganesh Pisal’s four-wicket haul was the highlight of the second innings. His ability to extract movement and maintain pressure proved decisive, as India A’s batsmen struggled to build partnerships or mount a counterattack. Pisal’s figures of 4 for 25 not only reflect his individual brilliance but also the collective effort of the India B bowling unit, who maintained tight lines and aggressive field placements throughout.
Jeetendra VN’s 2 for 23 stood out as a positive for India A, offering a glimpse of what their bowlers are capable of when they find their rhythm. However, the lack of support from the other end and the inability to contain Iqbal’s onslaught made the task insurmountable.
India A’s batting woes were evident from the outset. Akash Patil’s 30 was a valiant effort, but with wickets falling like dominoes, the chase never really got going. The disciplined bowling from India B, coupled with sharp fielding, ensured that India A’s batsmen were constantly under the pump. The pressure told, and the innings folded well before the 20-over mark.
The Wankhede Stadium, known for its electric atmosphere and storied history, provided the perfect backdrop for this opening encounter. With two more matches scheduled at the same venue over the next two days, both teams will be eager to regroup and adapt. For India B, the challenge will be to maintain their momentum and avoid complacency. For India A, it’s a chance to bounce back, reassess their strategies, and prove that they can compete at the highest level.
The Physical Disability T20 Series holds special significance for both teams and the wider cricketing community. It’s more than just a contest of runs and wickets—it’s a celebration of resilience, skill, and the unyielding spirit of athletes who have overcome significant challenges to play the game they love. Each match is a testament to their dedication, and performances like Iqbal’s inspire countless others to pursue their sporting dreams.
With the series poised for more action, all eyes will be on the next two fixtures at Wankhede. Can India A regroup and mount a comeback? Will India B continue their dominant run? The answers will unfold over the coming days, with fans eagerly anticipating more thrilling cricket and standout performances.
For now, India B’s emphatic win sets the bar high. The blend of explosive batting, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding was a masterclass in T20 cricket. As the teams prepare for their next showdown, the excitement is palpable—after all, in the world of cricket, fortunes can change in a heartbeat, and every match is a new opportunity.
The stage is set, the stakes are high, and the Physical Disability T20 Series is off to a flying start at Wankhede Stadium. Stay tuned for more electrifying action as these determined athletes continue to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible on the cricket field.
