Punjab and Sindh secure victories and advance in A. S. Ali Blind Cricket Trophy National One-Day Format Tournament 2023-24
5th Match Sindh vs Balochitan (Hayyatabad Sports Complex)
(Peshawar, 22nd April 2024): The 5th Match of the A.S. Ali Blind Cricket Trophy was played between Sindh and Baloschistan at Hayyatababd Sports Complex Peshawar. Sindh won the toss and put Balochistan into bat. Balochistan showcased exceptional batting skills, post a formidable total of 408/8 in stipulated 40 overs. Captain Niamatullah, laid the foundation for Balochistan’s innings with a solid 60 runs off 50 balls, setting the tone for what was to come. Haroon Khan then took charge, delivering an impressive knock of 97 runs from 74 balls, including 10 boundaries. Thereafter, Mati Ullah continued the onslaught with a blistering 63 runs off just 35 balls, showcasing incredible power hitting with a strike rate of 180. Contributions from Bashir Khan (50), Fasiullah (30), and Naseeb Ullah (25) runs, further bolstered Balochistan’s score. Despite the challenging bowling efforts from Sindh, particularly by Talha Iqbal (B3) who claimed three wickets, Balochistan’s batsmen demonstrated resilience and determination, consistently finding gaps and punishing loose deliveries.
Figure 2″The totally blind B1 batter focuses intently on the rattling ball, preparing to deliver a powerful hit.”
Sindh batting in reply proved too strong and reached the uphill target of 409 runs in just 31st over. Badar Munir emerged as the undoubted hero of the match, crafting an exceptional unbeaten innings of 231 runs off a mere 109 balls. Badar’s batting masterclass was characterized by a relentless onslaught of aggressive strokeplay, featuring 41 boundaries and 2 sixes, which left the opposition bowlers clueless. Anees Javed’s fluent knock of 80 runs off 69 balls provided crucial support helped his side to win with 7 wickets to spare.
Result: Sindh won by 7 wickets Man of the Match: Badar Munir
6th Match Punjab vs KPK (Peshawar Gymkhana Cricket Ground, Peshawar)
KPK won the toss and decided to bowl first. Punjab batting first post an imposing total of 420/2 in the 1st innings, setting a formidable target for KPK. Muhammad Safdar exhibited exceptional batting ability with an unbeaten knock of 159 runs off 128 balls, anchoring Punjab’s innings with precision and power. Moain Aslam also played a pivotal role in Punjab’s formidable total, contributing a magnificent 122 runs off 121 balls before being dismissed, laying a solid foundation for his team’s commanding performance. Punjab’s innings was further bolstered by a staggering 108 extras, highlighting the pressure exerted by their aggressive batting approach on the KPK Blind bowlers. Shahzaib Haider (B2) was the lone wicket-taker for his team KPK.
Despite facing a daunting target of 421 runs, KPK exhibited resilience and fighting spirit throughout their innings. Muhammad Rashid led the charge with a solid 83 runs off 57 balls and Shahzaib Haider contributed with 66 runs from the top. Israr Hassan’s valiant efforts of (B2) of spirited 74 runs off 52 balls went in vain, as Punjab Blind’s bowling attack, led by Asif Khan, proved to be a formidable, he yielded three crucial wickets, stemmed the flow of runs and kept the pressure mounted on the opposition. Babar Ali’s economical bowling spell further boosted Punjab’s performance, as he conceded just 53 runs in his 8 overs while claiming two vital wickets.
Result: Punjab won by 58 runs Man of the Match: Muhammad Safdar
