Pakistan enter T20 Blind Cricket WC Cup semis

LAHORE: Pakistan stormed into the semifinals of the 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup with a dominant 10-wicket win over Nepal at the Ghani Institute Cricket Ground. The victory showcased Pakistan’s formidable form as they comfortably chased a modest target in just 6.4 overs.

Nepal, batting first, struggled against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack and managed to score only 100 runs for the loss of five wickets in 18 overs. Bhart Thapa was the top scorer for Nepal with 39 runs off 46 balls, but his efforts fell short of setting a competitive target. Pakistan’s Haroon Khan was the standout bowler, delivering an impressive spell with figures of 2/5, keeping the Nepali batters in check.

In response, Pakistan’s opening pair of Naeematullah and Mohammad Safdar made light work of the chase. Naeematullah played a breathtaking innings, smashing 73 runs off just 30 balls, while Safdar contributed a solid 24 not out. Their unbeaten partnership ensured Pakistan’s victory in under seven overs. Naeematullah’s stellar performance earned him the Player of the Match award, presented by PBCC Chairman Syed Sultan Shah.

In another fixture, Sri Lanka continued their winning streak by defeating South Africa by 53 runs. Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a commanding total of 217/6, thanks to a quickfire 56 off 33 balls by Suranga Sampat. South Africa, in reply, could only manage 164/9, with Sri Lankan bowlers Chandana Deshpriya and Saman Tushara taking two wickets each to secure their team’s third consecutive victory.

Meanwhile, at Bagh-e-Jinnah Cricket Ground, Bangladesh registered an impressive eight-wicket win over Afghanistan. Afghanistan set a target of 149 runs, with their captain Abbasin contributing 30 runs. However, Bangladesh chased it down in just 12 overs, led by an outstanding 89* off 44 balls by Arif Hussain, who anchored the innings brilliantly.