The Pakistan blind cricket team secured a commanding 10-wicket victory against Nepal to storm into the semifinals of the 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup. The match, held at the Ghani Institute Cricket Ground, saw Pakistan chase down Nepal’s target of 101 runs in just 6.4 overs without losing a wicket.
Opening batter Naeematullah was the star of the match, smashing an unbeaten 73 off 30 balls, while Mohammad Safdar contributed 24* off 14 balls. Earlier, Nepal managed 100/5 in 18 overs, with Bhart Thapa top-scoring with 39 off 46 balls. Haroon Khan shone with the ball for Pakistan, taking 2/5. Naeematullah was named Player of the Match by Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) Chairman Syed Sultan Shah.
In other matches, Sri Lanka claimed their third victory, defeating South Africa by 53 runs. Suranga Sampat’s explosive 56 off 33 balls powered Sri Lanka to 217/6, while South Africa managed 164/9 in reply. Sri Lankan bowlers Chandana Deshpriya and Saman Tushara took two wickets each.
Meanwhile, at the Bagh-e-Jinnah Cricket Ground, Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by eight wickets. Afghanistan posted 149 in 18.2 overs, with captain Abbasin contributing 30. Bangladesh chased the target in just 12 overs, led by Arif Hussain’s scintillating 89* off 44 balls.
The first phase of the tournament in Lahore has concluded, with the teams now set to resume competition in the second phase in Multan on November 29, following a rest day on November 28.