KARACHI: An unbeaten half-century by Badar Munir guided Pakistan Blind Cricket Team to a nine-wicket win over South Africa as the Men in Green registered their sixth consecutive win at the T20 Cricket World Cup for the Blind in India on Monday.
Batting first, South Africa were restricted to 100-9 in their allotted 20 overs as Anees Javed took two wickets giving away 15 run, while Munir and Riasat Khan claimed a wicket apiece for 12 and 19 runs respectively.
Tefo Lesley Classen (19), meanwhile, was South Africa’s top scorer.
In reply, Pakistan reached the target in just 5.1 overs as opener Munir scored an unbeaten knock of 60 runs off 20 balls, studded with 10 fours and two sixes, while Muhammad Jamil, who remained unbeaten after scoring 29 off 11 balls with the help of six boundaries, contributed significantly to the team’s total.
Asher Jonathan Hattingh was the only South African bowler to be among the wickets as he claimed the wicket of Anees Javed (two).
“We are really happy with our sixth consecutive win and I am happy that I have been able to perform for the team in every match,” an ecstatic Munir told The Express Tribune. “It is a great achievement for me and the team.”
Pakistan, with six wins are leading the table with 18 points, followed by India who are second after having lost one out of their seven matches and Munir is hoping his side can maintain their form in the upcoming matches.
“We have three matches left with Bangladesh, West Indies and Australia in the next three days. So we have to stay strong till the end of the tournament and be fully prepared for the next matches,” he said.
Pakistan will face fourth-ranked Bangladesh on Tuesday, seventh ranked West Indies on Wednesday and fifth ranked Australia on Thursday. – MD
