Venkateshwar Rao ton powers India to crushing victory

India made a flying start to their campaign in the Blind Cricket Asia Cup, thrashing Sri Lanka by 179 runs at Anvir Cricket Stadium, ABG Sports City, on Sunday.

Put into bat in the 17-over contest, India piled up an imposing 241-3, riding on a magnificent century from opener Dunna Venkateshwar Rao.

After Sunil Ramesh departed for just six, Venkateshwar Rao took charge with a blistering 100 off 50 balls, smashing 16 fours at a strike rate of 200 before retiring out.

Sanjay Kumar Shah chipped in with 46 off 27 balls, while Deepak (31 not out off 14) and Badhanayak (22 not out off 14) provided the late fireworks.

In reply, Sri Lanka struggled against India's disciplined bowling attack, managing only 62-6 in their allotted 17 overs.

Prabuddha Piumal and D Perera scored 14 each, while 26 runs came from extras. A R Singh led India's bowling effort with two wickets for just five runs in two overs. D Tompaki and N Badhanayak claimed one wicket apiece.

Venkateshwar Rao was named Player of the Match for his outstanding century.