Munir's the man yet again for Pakistan

All-rounder once more proves pivotal in win over Sri Lanka

KARACHI: A formidable opening partnership between Badar Munir and Amir Ashfaq helped Pakistan Blind Cricket team notch their fourth consecutive victory in the ongoing T20 World Cup for Blind as they defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets at the Delhi Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on Thursday.

After opting to bat first, Sri Lanka were restricted to 164-7 in their allotted 20 overs as Munir and Sajid Nawaz took a wicket apiece for 18 and 28 runs respectively, while half of the Islanders' line-up was ran out.

With 22 runs to his name, Dimuthu Ravindra top-scored for Sri Lanka, whereas Ruwan Wasantha and Suranga Sampath chipped in with innings of 20 runs each.

In reply, Pakistan reached the 165-run target for the loss of five wickets and with 16 deliveries to spare.

Munir scored 49 off 31 deliveries, hitting six fours and a six as he shared a partnership of 77 runs with Ishfaq, who contributed 36 off 23 balls to his team's winning cause.

Muhammad Akram's 27-ball 31 also came in handy.

Suranga Sampath was the pick of Sri Lankan bowlers as he took two wickets for 25 runs, while Ravindra and Pathum Saman Kumara took a wicket each for 39 and 36 runs respectively.

Munir, who is now among the top-four run scorers of the tournament, expressed his delight at yet another brilliant knock at the top of the order.

“I am glad that I was able to score the runs that helped the team win once more. I hope to keep on scoring runs in the next few matches to reach the top of the batting charts,” Munit told The Express Tribune.

“I was also able to take a wicket which was a bonus for both me and the team. We are a good team and have gelled together perfectly, which is helping us win our matches by big margins,” he added.

Meanwhile, team captain Muhammad Jamil feels that even though Pakistan are the best team in the tournament, they should be wary of their February 9 opponents Australia, who also have a 100% record in the tournament so far.

“Australia are also scoring big runs and are a good team, one that will give us a tough time in our last group match,” said Jamil. “It is good that we're playing them last as it will allow us enough time to practice and get used to the conditions."

In the other matches, Australia trounced New Zealand by eight wickets, India thrashed England by 10 wickets, Nepal inflicted a six-wicket defeat on South Africa, whereas Bangladesh routed West Indies by eight wickets.