Asia Cup for Blind: Pakistan down old foes India by 19 runs

Half-centuries from Ali, Munir help build healthy innings

KARACHI: Pakistan cruised to a 19-run win over arch-rivals India in their second Asia Cup for Blind match, largely thanks to half-centuries from captain Nasir Ali and Badar Munir at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, India on Wednesday.

Asked to bat first, Pakistan posted 191-9 in their allotted 20 overs, initially losing two quick wickets with Muhammad Akram being dismissed for just one run and Amir Ishfaq managing just one run more. Skipper Ali then stepped in, scoring 56 runs off 48 balls while hitting four boundaries to build a 109-run partnership with Munir.

On the other hand, Munir struck nine fours in his 32-ball 58 runs to help Pakistan put an impressive total.



India’s Ajay Reddy, Sukhram Majhi, Amol, Prem Kumar and Anil Garia bagged a wicket each.

Despite a 75-run knock by India’s wicketkeeper Prakash, India were unable to go past 172-6 in their 20 overs as Anees Javed dismissed two batsmen with Israr Hussain picking up one wicket.

“I’m happy I played a match-winning innings with Munir, who supported me well on the crease,” Ali told The Express Tribune. “I was afraid in the beginning when we lost two quick wickets, but Munir and I didn’t lose confidence. The bowlers bowled perfectly to restrict the runs and build pressure on our rivals.”



Pakistan will now face Sri Lanka on Thursday and Bangladesh a day later.

“Sri Lanka have won their first two matches and will give a tough time, while Bangladesh will be easy to defeat,” commented Ali.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st, 2016.

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