In a thrilling match held at the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) World Blind Games, the Pakistan blind cricket team maintained their remarkable winning streak by triumphing over arch-rivals India in the final. The exhilarating encounter concluded with Pakistan securing an impressive eight-wicket victory to clinch the Gold medal.
Pakistan’s victory marked their fifth consecutive win in the prestigious tournament, having initiated their campaign with a notable victory against the same opponents. The Indian blind cricket team chose to bat first and initiated their innings on a strong note with a commanding 65-run opening partnership between VR Dunna (20) and DR Tompaki. The Pakistani bowler Mohammad Salman eventually dismissed Dunna in the seventh over.
Tompaki, however, partnered with NB Tumda (22) to construct a solid 41-run alliance, propelling the Indian team past the 100-run mark. Nevertheless, Matiullah’s excellent fielding led to Tumda’s run-out, securing Pakistan’s second wicket. S Ramesh joined forces with Tompaki, orchestrating a brisk 65-run partnership that put India on a competitive path, culminating in a total score of 184 within their allotted 20 overs.
🇵🇰 have defeated 🇮🇳 in the grand final to become champions of the IBSA World Games 2023 🥳#IBSAWorldGames #CricketTwitter #PAKvINDpic.twitter.com/NQ9Ip8r4du
— CricWick (@CricWick) August 26, 2023
Tompaki showcased a masterful innings, accumulating 76 runs off 57 deliveries, embellished with 11 boundaries, while Ramesh remained unbeaten at 48 runs off 29 balls, punctuated by eight boundaries.
In response, the Pakistan team wasted no time, amassing 78 runs by the seventh over. Captain Nisar Ali contributed 36 runs off 30 balls before departing, followed by Matiullah (18) two overs later. Despite these setbacks, India’s success was short-lived, as Badar Munir and Mohammad Salman collaborated for an undefeated 89-run partnership in just 32 deliveries. Their extraordinary partnership concluded the game in the 15th over, delivering an eight-wicket defeat to India.
Badar Munir played a blistering knock of 41 runs off 16 balls, featuring seven boundaries and a six, while Mohammad Salman’s quick 48 runs off 25 balls proved instrumental in Pakistan’s victory. India conceded 42 runs in extras, including 28 wide deliveries.
Of note, Pakistan initiated their journey in the World Blind Games with a hard-fought 18-run victory against their long-standing rivals, India. They further solidified their presence in the tournament by securing a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Bangladesh. Demonstrating their supremacy, the Pakistan blind cricket team secured their place in the final with a commanding six-wicket triumph over Australia, followed by a decisive six-wicket victory against England in the group stage finale.
