Lahore: Pakistan defeated Nepal by 10 wickets at the Ghani Institute Cricket Ground to reach the semi-finals of the 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup. The win showcased Pakistan’s strong form as they comfortably chased down a modest target in just 6.4 overs.
Batting first, Nepal struggled against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack and could manage just 100 runs for the loss of five wickets in 18 overs. Bharat Thapa top-scored for Nepal with 39 off 46 balls but his efforts failed to set a competitive target. Pakistan’s Haroon Khan was the standout bowler, putting up a brilliant spell with figures of 2/5 keeping the Nepalese batsmen in check.
In reply, Pakistan’s opening pair of Naeemullah and Muhammad Safdar made light work of the chase. Naeemullah played a brilliant innings, scoring 73 runs off just 30 balls, while Safdar played an unbeaten knock of 24 runs. Their unbeaten partnership ensured Pakistan’s victory in less than seven overs. Naeemullah’s brilliant performance earned him the player of the match award, which was presented by PBCC Chairman Syed Sultan Shah.
In another match, Sri Lanka continued their winning streak by defeating South Africa by 53 runs. Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a commanding total of 217/6 thanks to Suranga Sampath’s 33-ball 56. South Africa, in reply, could only score 164/9, with Sri Lankan bowlers Chandana Deshpriya and Suman Tushara picking up two wickets each to secure their team’s third straight win.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh registered an impressive eight-wicket win over Afghanistan at the Bagh Jinnah Cricket Ground. Afghanistan set a target of 149 runs in which their captain Abbasin scored 30 runs. However, Bangladesh chased it down in just 12 overs, with Arif Hussain scoring a brilliant 44-ball 89*, which led to a brilliant innings.