MULTAN: Pakistan on Tuesday triumphed by 10 wickets over Bangladesh in the final of the 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup, held on Tuesday at the Multan Cricket Stadium, securing the prestigious title.
Blind cricket, a modified version of the sport for blind and partially sighted players, is governed by the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC).
The T20 World Cup has been held since 2012, and this year Pakistan hosted the fourth edition of the tournament, featuring teams from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa, Nepal, and Afghanistan. The tournament began on November 23, with Pakistan’s first match against South Africa.
In the semi-finals, Pakistan dominated Nepal, restricting them to a total of 94/7 in their 20 overs. Meanwhile, Bangladesh narrowly edged out Sri Lanka by six runs to secure their spot in the final.
In Tuesday’s final, Bangladesh batted first and set a target of 140, scoring 139/7 in their 20 overs. Bangladesh’s top scorer, Arif Hussain, made 54 runs off 52 balls. Pakistan’s Babar Ali impressed with the ball, taking two wickets for just 24 runs in his four-over spell.
Chasing the target, Pakistan displayed a flawless performance, with captain Nisar Ali leading the charge with a brilliant 72 runs. Muhammad Safdar provided solid support, contributing 47 runs. Pakistan reached the target without losing a wicket in the 11th over, clinching the victory and completing an undefeated campaign.
The team’s historic victory was met with admiration and celebration across the nation. Pakistan Blind Cricket Council Chairman Syed Sultan Shah congratulated the team and the country for their remarkable achievement.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also expressed their pride, congratulating the team for their exceptional performance. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi praised the team’s teamwork and highlighted the performances of Nisar Ali and Muhammad Safdar in the final, noting that the team’s spirit was evident throughout the tournament.
President Asif Ali Zardari also lauded the players, recognizing their achievement on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. He emphasized that people with disabilities can excel in sports and other fields, underscoring the importance of offering opportunities for them to succeed.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari described the victory as a “remarkable gift” for the nation, adding that it proved the determination and resilience of the differently-abled community.
Other political figures, including Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and PPP Vice-President Sherry Rehman, also congratulated the team, acknowledging their outstanding journey and stellar performances throughout the tournament.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kund called it a “historic achievement,” praising the players for their dedication and hard work. He emphasized that this victory is an inspiration for the youth of Pakistan, showing that any challenge can be overcome with courage and determination.
This victory not only marks a significant achievement for blind cricket but also serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and determination of differently-abled athletes in Pakistan.
