ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s blind cricket team on Tuesday won the Blind T20 World Cup, defeating Bangladesh by 10 wickets in a victory that coincided with the annual International Day Of Persons With Disabilities.
This is the first time Pakistan has won the Blind T20 World Cup since the inception of the series in 2012, with India winning the previous three editions.
“Congratulations to the Pakistan blind cricket team for clinching the Blind Cricket T20 World Cup title with a 10-wicket win over Bangladesh in the final at Multan Cricket Stadium,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said on X.
In a thrilling finale, Bangladesh managed to post a modest total of 139 runs after losing seven wickets, while Arif Hussain stood out as the star performer for Bangladesh, delivering 54 runs.
On the bowling front for Pakistan, Babar Ali claimed three crucial wickets while his teammates Motiullah and Mohammad Salman each took one wicket. Pakistan then successfully chased down the target in 11 overs without losing a single wicket.
The opening pair of Nisar Ali and Mohammad Safdar forged an unbeaten partnership that saw Ali score an impressive 72 runs and Safdar 47 runs, leading the host nation to a resounding 10-wicket victory.
In the inaugural Blind T20 World Cup held in India in 2012, the hosts triumphed over Pakistan with a 29-run victory. The second edition, hosted in 2017, saw India winning by 9 wickets against Pakistan. In the most recent edition in 2022, India bested Bangladesh in the final to claim the trophy once again.
However, India did not participate in the fourth edition as their government denied the team permission to travel to Pakistan where the series was held.
