KARACHI:
Pakistan lifted the Saarc Baseball Cup after recording an overwhelming victory over Sri Lanka in the final at Lahore’s Punjab Stadium.
Maintaining dominance throughout the match, the hosts won the epic battle 8-2. Meanwhile, Afghanistan finished third in the tournament, courtesy their 19-11 victory over Nepal on Saturday.
Pakistan, having defeated Afghanistan and Nepal earlier in the tournament, remained unbeaten throughout the competition whereas Nepal returned home in a disappointing fashion, without registering a single win.
Hope for future
Delighted at the triumph, Pakistan captain Ihsanullah said the victory will help the side in future events as well.
“We have gained a lot of confidence for future,” the captain told reporters after the final.
He also hoped that the successful holding of the tournament will pave way for more international sporting action in the country.
“There were no security issues and the event was held in a befitting manner. I don’t see any issues for foreign teams touring Pakistan.”
Meanwhile, the Punjab chief minister has announced a reward of Rs1.5 million for the national baseball team for winning the tournament. The minister has also announced a grant of Rs1 million for the Pakistan Baseball Federation.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 18th, 2011.
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