The Final:
Balochistan Vs Sindh (Hayyatabad Sports Complex)
(Peshawar, 25th April 2024): The final Match of the A.S. Ali Blind Cricket Trophy was played between Balochistan and Sindh at Hayyatababd Sports Complex Peshawar. Sindh’s Captain Badar Munir once again won the toss and as has been the case throughout the tournament, Sindh decided to bowl first.
Balochistan Team posted an enormous total of 408 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their allotted 40 overs. Led by the electrifying partnership of Niamatullah and Muhammad Salman, Balochistan batting line-up displayed spirited cricket. Niamatullah’s unbeaten knock of 140 runs off just 86 balls featuring 18 boundaries, supported by Muhammad Salman’s explosive 62 off 31 deliveries, laid the foundation for an imposing total. His masterclass, coupled with Babar Ali’s steady contribution of 44 runs, boosted Balochistan to finish at a staggering 408/4 in their allotted 40 overs. For Sindh, Badar Munir bowled an economical spell, he conceded just 46 runs in 8 overs by taking 1 wicket, Kazimullah took 2 wickets.
In reply, the start of Sindh innings saw an early setback with the loss of the most prolific Badar Munir, who had previously scored three double centuries in the tournament in as many innings he played and was a formidable force at the crease. Despite this setback, Sindh Blind reassembled, with Akmal Hayat Nasir and Anees Javed delivering sensational innings that kept their hopes alive. Akmal Hayat Nasir’s blistering knock of 94 runs off 73 balls, coupled with Anees Javed’s elegant display of stroke play by scoring 83 runs off 60 balls, provided a glimmer of hope for Sindh. However, their valiant efforts were not enough to secure victory as they fell short of the target. Sindh was bowled out after scoring 346 runs in 38.4 overs. Mati Ullah, Babar Ali, and Haroon Khan were the stars in the bowling department, claiming 2 crucial wickets each and putting pressure on the Sindh.
Result: Balochistan won by 62 runs Man of the Match: Niamatullah
Player of the Tournament:
B1: Asif Khan (Punjab)
B2: Badar Munir (Sindh)
B3: Muhammad Rashid (KPK)
Best Wicket Keeper: Nisar Ali (Islamabad)
Mr. Sohail Khan Afridi (MPA KPK), Mr. Abdul Ghani (MPA KPK), Syed Sultan Shah (President World Blind Cricket Ltd & Chairman Pakistan Blind Cricket C ouncil), Mr. Aziz Ullah Jan (Director Sports and Youth Affairs KPK), Mr. Said Ali Bux (Director Special Education Complex), Mr. Anwar Ali (Director Finance PBCC), Mr. Habib Ullah Khan (General Secretary Peshawar Cricket Club of the Blind), Muhammad Noor Khan (District Officer Special Education), were the guests of the occasion and distributed prizes amongst the players.