Pakistan’s visually-impaired cricket team emerged victorious with an 18-run lead against India in the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) World Blind Games held in Birmingham.
The competitive match unfurled on the cricket grounds of King Edward’s School, where Pakistan was asked to bat first. The team, fondly known as the Green Shirts, displayed remarkable prowess by scoring 187 runs in the 20 overs.
Muhammad Salman stood out with a commendable 50 runs from 31 balls, closely followed by captain Nisar Ali’s 46 from 33 balls. Not to be left behind, Badar Munir made his mark with 37 runs from just 24 balls.
India’s Chase and Key Moments
India’s visually-impaired team, eager to chase the target set by Pakistan, witnessed Ajay Kumar Reddy taking a commendable four wickets. However, Nakula Badanayak of the Indian side was responsible for the downfall of three Pakistani batsmen. As the game progressed, the Indian team seemed to be inching closer to their target but found themselves restricted to 169 runs with a loss of seven wickets in their 20 overs.
A crucial turn was observed when they required 38 runs from the last three overs. At this juncture, Pakistan’s Matiullah showcased his skills with a tight 18th over, letting away a mere four runs.
The Indian side faced a quick decline as they lost three wickets in quick succession, going from a promising 150/3 to a challenging 154/6. Among the Indian batters, Sunil Ramesh showcased his skill with a 62-run inning, and Durga Rao Tompaki made a significant contribution with 40 runs.
After this impactful match, Pakistan VI’s team remains in high spirits, with Matiullah being credited for two wickets. Unfortunately, India’s performance was marred as five batters ran out. The cricket enthusiasts eagerly await Pakistan’s next showdown against Bangladesh, scheduled for Tuesday.
