Disabled Cricket Series: Pakistan claim outright 2-0 lead

Hosts beat Afghanistan by 34 runs in second T20.

KARACHI: Pakistan claimed an unassailable 2-0 lead in the International Disabled Cricket Series against Afghanistan on Monday as the hosts won by 34 runs in the second T20 of a three-match series at Karachi’s National Stadium.

Batting first, Pakistan were unable to muster a big total, ending with 139-6 in their 20 overs. Skipper Hasnain Alam top-scored with 38 off 28 as he struck seven boundaries, while Danish Ahmed chipped in with 34, hitting a six and three boundaries in the process.

Off-spinner Abdullah grabbed three wickets for 16 runs.

Despite having a good chance of leveling the series, Afghanistan failed to grab the opportunity and were bundled out for 105 with five balls to spare. Opener Muhammad Ashraf scored run-a-ball 47, aided with six boundaries, but hardly received any support from other end.

Left-arm spinner Fayyaz Ahmed captured four wickets for only 10 runs, while off-spinner Rao Javed bagged three.

“It’s good exposure for both teams and we’re happy to win the series,” Pakistan skipper Hasnain told The Express Tribune.

“However, we’ll be happier once all the Test playing nations start forming their physically disabled teams. The game can only be made professional once we have a lot more sides playing in this category, and then sponsors will take an interest in the proceedings as well.”

Only Pakistan, Afghanistan and England have played in disabled cricket series to date.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 24^th, 2015.

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