ISLAMABAD: Pakistan kicked off their campaign in the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) World Blind Games with a triumphant start, securing an 18-run win against India in Birmingham on Sunday.
The India VI team invited Pakistan’s visually impaired team to bat first after winning the toss at King Edward’s School ground.
The Green Shirts managed to score 187 runs and lose eight wickets in the allocated 20 overs. Muhammad Salman played a crucial role, scoring 50 off 31 deliveries, while captain Nisar Ali contributed 46 off 33, and Badar Munir chipped in with 37 from 24.
During India’s innings, Ajay Kumar Reddy displayed a strong performance, taking four wickets, while Nakula Badanayak dismissed three Pakistani batters.
As India began their reply, they were held to 169 runs for seven wickets in 20 overs. With 38 runs needed from the last three overs at one point, Matiullah bowled an exceptional 18th over, conceding merely four runs.
India’s fortunes took a turn for the worse, losing three wickets, including one due to a run-out in a collapse that saw them go from 150 runs for three wickets to 154 runs for six wickets. Sunil Ramesh of India VI scored 62 runs, while Durga Rao Tompaki added 40 runs to his name.
Pakistan VI’s Matiullah contributed with two wickets, and the Indian side suffered from five batters being run out.
Looking forward, Pakistan has a scheduled encounter against Bangladesh in their upcoming game on Tuesday.
