Day-5:
9th Match: KPK Vs Sindh (Hayyatabad Sports Complex)
(Peshawar, 24th April 2024): The 9th Match of the A.S. Ali Blind Cricket Trophy was played between KPK and Sindh at Hayyatababd Sports Complex Peshawar. Batting first after winning the toss, the KPK Blind Cricket Team posted a daunting total of 401 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 40 overs against Sindh.
Led by standout performances from Shahzaib Haider and Muhammad Rashid, KPK set a formidable target for Sindh. Shahzaib Haider dazzled with a scintillating knock of 108 runs off 74 balls and Rashid contributed a magnificent 130 runs off just 86 deliveries, anchoring the innings. KPK middle-order batsmen made valuable contributions to propel the team past the 400-run mark. SanaUllah’s brisk 51 off 36 balls and Abdul Manan’s composed 20 off 19 balls further bolstered KPK’s formidable total. Idrees Saleem was the star for Sindh’s bowling attack, claiming an impressive 4 wickets while conceding just 60 runs in his 8 overs spell.
In reply, Sindh successfully chased down the uphill target of 402 runs with ease. Badar Munir once again emerged as the star of the show, delivering an outstanding unbeaten innings of 241 runs off just 103 deliveries. His remarkable knock, characterized by 44 boundaries and 3 sixes, played a pivotal role in securing Sindh’s victory with 8 wickets in hand. Gul Sher also contributed significantly with an unbeaten 38 runs off 32 balls. Israr and Irfan from KPK managed to claim a wicket each, but it was Badar Munir’s exceptional performance that ultimately defined the match.
Result: Sindh won by 8 wickets Man of the Match: Badar Munir
10th Match: Balochistan Vs Islamabad (Peshawar Gymkhana Cricket Ground, Peshawar)
In a high-stakes encounter, Balochistan displayed promising Cricket in a must-win match against Islamabad. Islamabad faced a stunning collapse, being all out for 317 runs within 33.1 overs, falling short of playing their full quota of 40 overs.
Despite a promising start led by Kamran Akhtar’s magnificent century and Nisar Ali’s solid contribution, Islamabad’s batting order crumbled under the relentless bowling attack of Haroon Khan. Khan’s exceptional display saw him scalping 4 wickets in a single over, dismantling Islamabad’s batting line-up and severely denting their progress.
Kamran Akhtar’s explosive knock of 150 runs off just 82 balls provided the much-needed impetus to Islamabad’s innings, supported by valuable contributions from Nisar Ali. But Haroon Khan’s remarkable bowling spell of 5 wickets for conceding just 36 runs shifted the momentum firmly in Balochistan’s favour.
In response to Islamabad’s total of 317 runs, Balochistan put up a dominant batting performance to secure victory to a get place in the final. Naseeb Ullah stole the spotlight with an impressive unbeaten knock of 112 runs from 93 deliveries, anchoring the innings brilliantly. Mati Ullah provided excellent support with his own unbeaten century, scoring 102 runs off 82 balls. With a 206 runs unbeaten partnership for the 4th wicket, Balochistan reached a total of 318 runs for the loss of just 3 wickets in 36.4 overs, securing a decisive victory. Kamran Akhtar and Amjad Hussaun, claimed a wicket a piece.
Result: Balochistan won by 7 wickets Man of the Match: Haroon Khan
With today wins, Sindh topped the table with 10 points and Balocshitan stood 2nd with 9 points to qualify for the final. The final match of the tournament will be played tomorrow dated 25th April 2024 at Hayyatabad Sports Complex Peshawar.
