Pakistan beat India to lift Blind Cricket World Cup 2023
By News Desk
August 27, 2023 12:15 AM
Pakistan defeated India in the Blind Cricket World Games by 8 wickets in the final in Birmingham on Saturday, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.
Pakistan chased down a target of 185 runs in the 15th over after a dominating batting display.
Badar Munir and Mohammad Salman starred for the winning side with 41 and 48 runs, respectively.
India also conceded 42 extras in the second innings.
The cricket game was included in the IBSA World Games for the first time and India's both men's and women's blind teams reached the finals to ensure a medal for India.
The Men in Blue posted 184-3 in 20 overs after deciding to bat first.
DR Tompaki gave India a flying start with a 50-run stand with VR Dunna in the first six overs. Dunna scored 20 runs off 18 balls while Tompaki recorded 76 runs off 51 balls with the help of 11 fours. S Ramesh also added a crucial unbeaten 48 runs off 29 balls to boost India to a challenging total of 184 runs.
But Pakistan were excellent in the chase with openers M Ullah and N Ali adding quick 50 runs in just 27 balls. Indian bowlers conceded 42 runs as extra which included 28 wides. M Salman top-scored with 48* off 25 balls while B Munir played an explosive knock of 41* off 12 balls to boost Pakistan to gold medal.
India defeated Bangladesh in the qualifier by seven wickets on Friday to qualify for the final.
The Pakistani team remained unbeaten in the Blind Cricket World Games as the national team have defeated India, Bangladesh, Australia, and England in the event.
Pakistan had earlier defeated India by 18 runs in the group stage and it won the gold medal in the cricket event at the World Blind Games.