The Sri Lanka team that won the Deaf T20 World Cup last year celebrated their first year anniversary on November 30.
The celebrations took place at the Uyanwatte Stadium in Matara during the third T/20 deaf cricket district tournament organized by the Sri Lanka Deaf Cricket Association.
The team was coached by Jayalath Aponsu who did an excellent job to guide the team while Ushantha Gunaratne was the assistant coach.
“The members of the team were from all over the country and they build up good team spirit,” said team manager Indrani Ariyaratne. “Sri Lanka Cricket and the Sports Ministry were very supportive towards the team.
“Handling the deaf team was not easy but they always displayed their skills and their ambition was to win the title.”
Skipper Malcolm came up with an excellent all-round performance scoring 41 runs and capturing three wickets for 25 runs that earned him the man of the final award.
The presentation ceremony was held soon after the final and former Australian paceman Brett Lee was the chief guest on this historical occasion.
Skipper Malcolm who hails from Ambalangoda said that winning the World Cup over defending champions India was a dream come true.
“The team is preparing hard for the next World Cup which will be held next year. But they need more international exposure which will benefit the team,” noted Malcolm.
The team also needs sponsors.