By: Muhammad Faheem Anwar
ISLAMABAD: Sunil Ramesh slammed a superb 87 as India defeated Pakistan by 46 runs in the second match of the three-matches Pak-India bilateral Blind T-20 cricket series at International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket Academy Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday.
Pakistan again won the toss and opted to bowl first, a strategic move considering the dew factor. India, seizing the opportunity, put up a daunting total of 224 runs on the scoreboard within the stipulated 20 overs for the loss of 3 wickets. Sunil Ramesh showcased his batting ability with an impressive 87 runs off 61 balls, while Venkatesh Rao and Ajay Kumar Reddy contributed crucial runs with 56 and 42 respectively. Despite their efforts, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Zafar Iqbal who claimed only one wicket, struggled to break through consistently.
In reply, Pakistan’s batsmen started confidently but faltered under the pressure of the challenging target. Despite valiant efforts from Salman, who scored a resilient 58 off 42 balls, and contributions from Badar Munir 30 off 16 balls and Nisar Ali’s 25 runs, Pakistan fell short, reaching 178 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted overs. Ajay Reddy, Durga Rao, and Debaraj made crucial breakthroughs for the Indian side, restricting Pakistan’s chase.
Hussain Muhammad, the Consul General at Pakistan Consulate General Dubai was the chief guest of the occasion, he was accompanied by the Syed Sultan Shah President World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC), Ek Radha Krishnan Chairman Organizing Committee, Shabana Abdul Razzak Global Ladies Chair World Memon Origination (WMO), Rajnesh Henry first Vice President of World Blind Cricket Council, Sabeen Gul Vice President/Wing Head CSR National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Junaid Iqbal CSR Officer NBP and other dignitaries were also present during ceremony.
The Consul General Hussain Muhammad said that people of Pakistan and India always enjoy cricket matches played between the two countries, but this match had impressed him a lot. “It was for the first time that I watched a live match played by visually challenged players and their talent has really impressed me a lot. Dubai is a hub for trade, sports and diplomacy that provides an ideal environment for such types of healthy and positive activities among the neighboring countries”, said the Consul General.
He said that cricket and all other sports give the message of peace and promote love amongst people by dispelling misunderstandings and hatred. Congratulating the winning Indian team on today’s victory, the Consul General appreciated the players of Pakistani team for their efforts and also winning the first match of the three matches’ series. “Both the teams played well today. We look forward to a sensational and decisive final match of the tournament taking place on Sunday”, said Mr. Hussain.
With the series now leveled at 1-1, anticipation surges for the decisive encounter scheduled for the 25th February at ICC Cricket Academy
