In a dominant performance, Pakistan’s blind cricket team thrashed Nepal by 10 wickets on Sunday to reach the final of the Blind T20 World Cup 2024 at Multan Cricket Stadium.
Chasing a modest target of 95 runs, Pakistan comfortably reached the required runs in just 5.3 overs, with no wickets lost. Kamran Akhtar was the star of the chase, playing an explosive knock of 63 runs off 21 balls, which included 13 boundaries and a six. His opening partner, Babar Ali, supported him well, scoring 32 not out off 14 balls.
Earlier, Nepal, batting first, could only manage 94/7 in their 20 overs despite a determined effort from Durgadatta Paudel, who top-scored for his side with a gritty 40 off 42 balls. Ramesh Baniyan was the next highest scorer, contributing 17 runs off 30 balls, but the rest of the Nepal team struggled against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
Pakistan’s bowlers were ruthless, with Mati Ullah leading the charge, taking 3 wickets for just 5 runs in his 4 overs. Badar Munir also made a key contribution, picking up 1 wicket.
Pakistan will now face either Sri Lanka or Bangladesh in the final, which will be held at the same venue on Tuesday.
Pakistan’s Squad for Blind T20 World Cup 2024:
B1 Category: Zafar Iqbal, Muhammad Idrees Saleem, Muhammad Shahzaib, Fakhar Abbas, Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Salman
B2 Category: Nisar Ali (c), Badar Munir (vc), Babar Ali, Nematullah, Haroon Khan
B3 Category: Muhammad Safdar, Kamran Akhtar, Akmal Hayat Nasir, Talha Iqbal, Matiullah
